How we inspect in independent specialist colleges

This handbook sets out our approach to inspecting independent specialist colleges in 2022. It explains how we inspect. The guidance is essential reading for reporting inspectors and all other members of the inspection team. It may also be useful for colleges to support their understanding of the inspection mind-set and methodologies.

The guidance should be read alongside ‘What we inspect’ guidance in independent specialist colleges, which outlines the inspection framework. Colleges can use this guidance to see how inspections work and to help them in strengthening their own self-assessment and improvement processes.

Where the inspection identifies practice worth sharing, inspectors will invite the college to write a case study that we will publish on our website. Where the inspection identifies important concerns in relation to standards, quality of education and training or leadership and management, we will arrange follow-up activity to support improvement. Guidance on the different types of follow-up activity is available on our website