How Ofsted judges personal development in schools

Ofsted, the regulatory body for schools in England, places a significant emphasis on personal development as a key aspect of education. In its inspections, Ofsted evaluates how well schools are supporting the personal development of their students.

Here are some of the ways Ofsted judges personal development in schools:

• SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development: Ofsted assesses how well schools are promoting SMSC development and the extent to which students are equipped to understand and appreciate different cultures and ways of life.

• Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE): Ofsted considers how well schools are providing PSHE education, which includes topics such as healthy relationships, mental health, and financial literacy.

• Behaviour and attitudes: Ofsted evaluates how well schools are promoting positive behaviour and attitudes among students, such as respect for others, self-discipline, and resilience.

• Careers education: Ofsted assesses how well schools are preparing students for the world of work, including providing information about different career paths, work-related learning opportunities, and access to advice and guidance.

• Extracurricular activities: Ofsted considers the range and quality of extracurricular activities on offer, such as sports, music, and drama, and how they contribute to students' personal development.

• Personal development planning: Ofsted looks at the processes schools have in place to support students in planning and achieving their personal goals, such as through individual tutorials or mentoring.

• Student voice: Ofsted evaluates the extent to which students are involved in decision-making processes, such as through student councils, and the impact this has on their personal development.

In conclusion, Ofsted considers a range of factors when evaluating personal development in schools, including SMSC, PSHE, behaviour and attitudes, careers education, extracurricular activities, personal development planning, and student voice. By prioritising personal development, schools can help students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to thrive in life.