Key changes to Ofsted inspections: what Careers Leaders need to know

From November 2025, a new set of Ofsted inspection toolkits will come into force. There’s good news for Careers Leaders: careers education has a higher profile in the new framework than under the current Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

We’ve taken a look at the key changes you should be aware of and highlighted where alumni engagement can help you demonstrate compliance and strengthen your programme. 

Firstly, one-word gradings have gone, replaced by a ‘report card’ system and a 5-point grading scale. More about this on the gov.uk website.

Careers education is mentioned under evaluation areas and in grade descriptors, hopefully making it easier for careers leaders to gain further buy-in from SLT and wider staff to engage with alumni and otherwise expand the careers programme.

1. A stronger focus on inclusion

Ofsted has made clear that:

“Every education inspection will focus on provision for disadvantaged children, those with a special educational need or disability (SEND), and those who are known to social care.”

Engaging alumni is one of the most effective ways to ensure students from these groups see positive role models who have gone on to achieve success. Who better to show them a pathway forward than someone who once faced similar challenges and went on to thrive?

2. An explicit ‘Careers Education’ section

Careers education now sits clearly within Personal development and well-being. Inspectors will consider whether schools offer:

• A careers programme meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks (remember that working with alumni is expected under Benchmark 3)

• Opportunities for workplace experiences

• Engagement with employers, colleges, training providers and universities

• Impartial advice and guidance from a qualified careers adviser

Alumni can contribute to every one of these areas. For example:

• Workplace experiences: alumni can host workplace visits or offer short placements.

• Employer encounters: they can deliver career talks, mock interviews or skills sessions.

• Local and national employment insights: alumni can share first-hand perspectives on local or emerging industries.

And because alumni are part of your school’s community, their presence signals to students: “People from here can go places.”

3. Careers in grade descriptors

The grade descriptors for Personal development and well-being directly reference careers education. For example:

• Expected Standard: steady progress towards the Gatsby Benchmarks

• Strong Standard: effective engagement with local employers so pupils are well informed and clear on the steps they need to achieve their ambitions

Alumni represent both employers and role models, making them a cost-effective way to build meaningful employer engagement while progressing through the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Imagine showcasing a mini-series of alumni talks — one from a local nurse, another from an app developer, another from a construction apprentice — as part of your evidence portfolio. These can demonstrate breadth, relevance, and student engagement.

4. Careers in Post-16 curriculum

Another positive development is the emphasis on linking curriculum learning with careers. For 11-16 year olds this is implied through the expectation to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks including GB4: Careers in the curriculum but in post-16 provision, Inspectors will be tasked to decide whether:

• Teachers highlight progression routes within their subject

• Students understand how skills and knowledge link to a wide range of career pathways

Post-16 provision is likely to be graded Urgent improvement if students lack access to high-quality careers guidance, unbiased information, or opportunities to encounter the world of work.

Alumni from post-16 courses are well placed to illustrate progression routes and career outcomes, helping you evidence compliance. They can help in very practical ways — from joining subject lessons to talk about how they use A-level Maths in architecture or Psychology in marketing, to mentoring students exploring similar university or apprenticeship routes.

What does this mean for Careers Leaders?

Careers education is now firmly on the radar of Ofsted inspectors, which is good news for Careers Leaders aiming to deliver a game-changing programme.

If you prioritise engaging with your alumni network, it could well become your most valuable asset. Your former students can:

• Help you meet the Gatsby Benchmarks in a cost-effective way

• Offer authentic role models that inspire inclusion and ambition

• Strengthen your evidence base for inspection

• Deepen the connections between curriculum, careers and community

For more practical tips, take a look at our short course on the Careers and Enterprise Academy and make sure your alumni network is working for you.