About ISI
ISI is an independent inspectorate, appointed by the Department for Education to inspect ISC association independent schools in England. Their inspection reports inform the DfE on the extent to which the statutory The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 are met.
Key documentation such as the framework, inspection handbook and other documents and advice can be found here.
Schools that do not meet all inspection standards are encouraged to contact IAPS early for advice and guidance. Though we will receive a copy of your report, this will not be for some time after the inspection has taken place, therefore early assistance is reliant on you getting in touch.
Guidance and inspection materials
These documents should be read by all key staff, especially those responsible for recruitment and the Single Central Register:
- The DfE provides non‑statutory guidance explaining each ISSR part (1–8) and what compliance looks like.
- The Independent School Standards: ISI
- The ISI Inspection Handbook and ISI Framework outline how inspections are conducted, what inspectors expect, and how compliance is judged.
Schools may contact ISI directly regarding regulatory queries.