Ofsted inspections and interventions
We’ve supported many academy trusts and schools in their challenge of Ofsted inspection processes and reports. We provide strategic advice to schools on dealing with an unsatisfactory Ofsted report - including drafting formal complaints under Ofsted’s complaints procedure, to liaising with Ofsted’s legal team and advising on litigation and injunctions to prevent publication of a contested report.
Our combination of sector knowledge and public law expertise means we’re well placed to both advise schools on crafting the strongest case possible and offer pragmatic guidance following a difficult inspection.
As a result of our experience in this area, we’ve been able to secure re-inspections, grade changes, delays to publication, and amendments to the narrative of reports on behalf of academies and schools.
We can guide you through the process. We are committed to providing practical and objective legal support during what can be a particularly testing time for school staff and governors.
"The service you get from Browne Jacobson far surpasses anything in the marketplace and I recommend them highly. All of the team actively go over and above to ensure you are empowered and supported when you need their input."
Featured experience
Supporting complaints to Ofsted
We supported an academy with a complaint to Ofsted following a section 5 inspection, preparing a letter of complaint focusing on the discrepancy between the feedback and provisional gradings provided by the lead inspector and the contents of the final report following moderation, with no clear reason provided for these changes. Ofsted agreed to reinstate their original judgement and adjusted the gradings for both Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Management, leaving the academy satisfied of a fair outcome.
Expertise
A commentary on the Ofsted complaints procedure consultation
Resource
"Having advised many schools and academies on raising complaints with Ofsted we are familiar with recurring gripes, and offer our views on the proposed amends."Read more
Summary evaluations of multi-academy trusts
Resource
"The scrutiny of MAT performance by Ofsted has recently undergone some operational changes. The regime has been replaced by “MAT summary evaluations”. In this guide, we comment on the revised approach and identify a number of key elements for MATs to reflect on."Read more
Quickcall: Lawyers specialising in education law
Product
"We understand that the day-to-day running of your establishment can be challenging, especially if you are faced with tricky situations where you or your staff are unsure on the best route to take. This is where our innovative service can help."Find out more
HR and education policies for academy trusts
Product
"Our ready-to-use terms and conditions, policies and procedures have been designed to provide you with a cost- and time-effective way to keep your trust’s documents up to date."Find out more
Testimonials
"Work closely with our team and become part of our extended team. Maintain high level of sector knowledge. Provision of CPD and events by experts."
"Very down to earth and client focused. Pragmatic advice and not too risk averse."
Key contacts
Katie Michelon
Partner
Related expertise
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Guide
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A commentary on the Ofsted complaints procedure consultation
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The return of Ofsted inspections
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Bill introduced to Parliament to enable Ofsted to have powers to inspect MATs
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Successful challenge to Secretary of State’s refusal to revoke directive academy order
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Opinion
Another Ofsted investigation resulting in prosecution – Independent school in Lincolnshire found operating illegally
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Second prosecution of its kind following Ofsted investigation for running an illegal school
A Head Teacher and her father were convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for running an unregistered private school in Streatham.