Inspections

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Catholic School Inspectorate

In November 2019, the Bishops’ Conference unanimously agreed to a National Framework for the Inspection of Catholic Schools, Colleges and Academies. This provided, inter alia, for all inspectors to be accredited, on behalf of every diocesan bishop, in accordance with a nationally Catholic agreed protocol approved by the Department of Education and Formation, to inspect in any diocese.

The Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) is a national framework in England and Wales that conducts denominational inspections of Catholic schools, academies, and colleges. These inspections satisfy the statutory requirements of Section 48 of the Education Act 2005, evaluating the quality of Religious Education, the Catholic life of the school, and collective worship.

Key Features of the Catholic Schools Inspectorate:

  • Purpose: Inspections support the Catholic identity and mission of the school, ensuring it meets diocesan and national standards for Catholic education.
  • Scope: Inspectors evaluate how well leaders and governors promote the school’s mission, the quality of teaching, and the spiritual development of pupils.
  • Inspectors: Teams consist of trained, accredited inspectors, often practicing Catholics who understand the specific charism of Catholic education.
  • Framework: The national framework, established in 2019, ensures consistency across all dioceses in England and Wales.
  • Frequency: Inspections generally occur every five years, as required by law.
  • Outcome: Results help identify strengths and areas for improvement, celebrating the school’s Catholic character.

Inspection Preparation resources for Schools

Guidance and resources for schools including key documents and the School Inspection handbook can be accessed via the Catholic Schools Inspectorate website: Catholic Schools Inspectorate | Schools

Individual school inspection reports can be accessed via the Catholic Education Service website following the link: Schools Directory