Ofsted announced on 16 October 2026 that it plans to pilot a new Independent Complaints Review (ICR) service for state-funded schools inspected during the 2026/27 academic year. Under the plan, schools that have complained about an inspection could ask for a review of how Ofsted handled the complaint and, for the first time, whether the outcome was fair and reasonable, including matters relating to the inspection process and findings.

Unlike the existing Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO), which considers whether a complaint was handled properly, the planned ICR would also be able to examine original, unredacted inspection evidence. It would report findings and recommendations to the complainant and to His Majesty's Chief Inspector (HMCI), who would personally consider and respond to each recommendation. Where a recommendation concerns a grading decision, HMCI could set aside the published report card and arrange a new inspection; the same or different grades could result. By law, only HMCI, delegated through Ofsted's inspectors, makes grading decisions.

Ofsted said the pilot would begin shortly and run through the 2026/27 academic year, covering complaints about school inspections, including ongoing complaints raised this term. It said the service would be monitored and evaluated, with feedback sought from complainants, trade unions and the Confederation of School Trusts, before a decision on wider implementation. Ofsted said arrangements are subject to contract, with the Department for Education managing the contract award. HMCI Sir Martyn Oliver said he hoped added independent oversight would increase trust in the system.