Trust Matters: Lessons in Leadership

“Ofsted must help, not hinder” - Sir Martyn Oliver on the new inspection framework

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Ofsted’s new inspection framework marks one of the biggest shifts in education in a generation – but what does it really mean for schools and trusts?

In this special bonus episode of Trust Matters: Lessons in Leadership, Ellie speaks to Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, about his ambition to build, in his words, “the most human version of Ofsted yet.”

Together, they explore:

  • How Sir Martyn’s years leading schools in challenging contexts have shaped his approach to inspection

  • Why he describes the disadvantage gap as “the problem of our time”

  • The move from a single overall effectiveness grade to more nuanced judgments

  • What it means to see vulnerability as a state, not a trait, and why belong, achieve, thrive runs through the framework

  • How inspectors are being asked to use context, dialogue and professional curiosity to reduce “big reveal” moments

  • What healthy “Ofsted readiness” looks like and what Ofsted is doing to reduce unnecessary stress for leaders and staff

    • This is a rare chance to step inside the thinking of the person leading Ofsted’s reform and to hear, in his own words, why “Ofsted must help, it mustn’t hinder” if the system is to serve all children, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

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    All views expressed in this episode are the guest’s own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.

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    Trust Matters: Lessons in LeadershipBy The Key