Ofsted

When an academy school is established it has a new legal status and is a new school.

1.The first section 5 inspection of new academies will usually take place within two years of opening[1]. In most instances, we will not select new academies for a first section 5 inspection until after four terms have elapsed from their opening.

2.Inspection arrangements for converter academies are also guided by the inspection history of their predecessor school. Certain types of schools judged outstanding before conversion are exempt from routine inspection unless there are concerns about their performance[2].

3.Ofsted may conduct a section 8 monitoring inspection of an academy where information we hold or receive about the academy causes sufficient concern. Under section 8(2) of the Education Act 2005 the Chief Inspector has the discretionary power to inspect any school in England in circumstances where he is not required to do so by section 5 of the Act. Under section 8(1) of the Act the Chief Inspector must inspect a school when required to do so by the Secretary of State.

4.Following an initial section 5 inspection, academy schools will be subject to the same inspection arrangements as maintained schools.