Independent research by IFF Research found that most education providers felt generally positive about inspections under Ofsted's renewed education inspection framework, according to an Ofsted release published on 9 October 2026. The interim findings cover providers inspected from January to April 2026, during the framework's initial implementation. Ofsted said a full report is due in 2027.

More than 6 out of 10 respondents said inspection would help them improve their provision, and nearly three-quarters said it identified the best of their provision. The vast majority agreed inspections were respectful (88%), collaborative (76%) and empathetic (78%). Almost three-quarters (74%) said inspectors sought to account for their provision's context, and 72% said inspection was tailored to it. Most (81%) said their report card accurately described the experience of pupils, learners or children.

Workload and wellbeing remained the clearest challenges: 4 out of 10 said inspection negatively affected their or their staff's mental wellbeing 'a fair amount' or 'a lot', rising to nearly half in schools. More respondents believed inspection's benefits outweighed negatives (48% to 31%), and 55% to 27% called the workload manageable. Nearly 7 out of 10 recognised actions by inspectors to minimise stress, and 63% felt positive once inspection was over. His Majesty's Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said the data showed Ofsted was 'on the right track' while acknowledging workload and wellbeing challenges.