One year on from Ofsted’s new inspection framework, our research shows that the promised reforms have failed to address the fundamental problems facing schools. We surveyed nearly 2,000 NEU members, analysed more than 1,300 inspection reports and spoke directly to school leaders. The message is clear: 📈 Workload has increased • 85% of those inspected reported increased workload. • 92% of those awaiting inspection reported increased workload. • School leaders and primary staff reported the greatest burden. 💔 Wellbeing is suffering • 87% reported negative impacts from exhaustion. • 86% reported increased stress levels. • Staff in primary and more disadvantaged schools reported the worst effects. 🚪 The profession is being driven out • One in four teachers said inspection made them want to leave the profession. • For school leaders, that rises to more than one in three. ⚠️ The system remains flawed • 68% said the new framework has not led to a richer evaluation of schools. • Excessive workload, inconsistent inspections and a lack of confidence in the complaints process remain major concerns. The government and Ofsted must act now to provide immediate relief by: ✅ Ending the use of national averages as the primary basis for judging schools on achievement, attendance and behaviour. ✅ Returning to a best-fit grading approach. ✅ Working with education unions to tackle unsustainable workload pressures. ✅ Providing meaningful wellbeing support for head teachers. ✅ Commissioning an independent review of inspector training and consistency. ✅ Creating a fully independent complaints body for Ofsted inspections. But these measures alone are not enough. The evidence shows that school inspection continues to damage wellbeing, increase workload and drive experienced staff out of education. We need a fundamentally different approach. The NEU believes Ofsted should be abolished and replaced with a supportive, independent inspectorate that works with schools rather than against them; one that helps drive improvement through collaboration, trust and professional dialogue, not fear, high-stakes judgements and punitive accountability. Our schools, educators and pupils deserve better. Ofsted inspections causing ‘harm’ and 'making teachers want to quit' | LBC share.google/eYdwZ3f2W6MnpmW…