At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and support schools to enhance educational standards across England.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, home-based work, vehicle allowance, and performance rewards.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and impact students' lives positively.
- Qualifications: Recent senior leadership experience in education, particularly in primary or SEND.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: East of England; East Midlands; London; North East, Yorkshire and Humber; North West; South East; South West; West Midlands
Benefits: Salary £87,269 (post probation) + home-based working + vehicle user allowance + performance-related rewards and other benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time, secondment (up to two years)
Join our team as a Schools HMI. We are thrilled to announce that we are now recruiting for Schools HMI across England.
Applicants will only be accepted from those who meet the essential experience for the specific regions listed below:
- East of England; East Midlands – Looking for Secondary and SEND experience
- London; South East – Looking for Primary and SEND experience
- North East, Yorkshire and Humber; North West; South West – Looking for primary, secondary and SEND experience
- West Midlands – Predominantly looking for primary and SEND experience, but will also accept applications from those with secondary experience
Please note: For SEND experience, we are referring to those who have worked in the specialist sector, i.e. special schools, alternative provision or resource provision. If you do not have the relevant experience for these regions, but are interested in becoming an HMI, you can register your interest. We will notify you by email as and when vacancies matching your area of experience become available.
We are seeking passionate professionals with recent senior leadership experience and a background in one or more of the phases of education outlined above. If you meet the criteria, we would love to hear from you! Please note that without this experience, we will not be able to progress your application.
Application Deadline: 11:55pm on Monday 23 March 2026
For full details about the role, including the job specification and how to apply, please explore our recruitment brochure.
We look forward to receiving your application and the possibility of welcoming you to our team!
His Majesty\'s Inspector (HMI), Schools employer: Ofsted
Contact Detail:
Ofsted Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land His Majesty\'s Inspector (HMI), Schools
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an HMI role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current educational policies and practices. We want to see that you're not just passionate but also informed about the challenges and opportunities in the education system.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your relevant leadership roles and how they’ve prepared you for the HMI position. Make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you who are eager to make a difference in schools across England.
We think you need these skills to ace His Majesty\'s Inspector (HMI), Schools
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in education, especially in the specific regions mentioned. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Schools HMI!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and improving schools shine through in your written application. We’re looking for passionate professionals, so don’t hold back on sharing why you care about this work!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofsted
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the specific educational phases and SEND experience relevant to the region you're applying for. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in education policy and how they impact schools, as this will show your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Schools HMI, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or initiatives successfully. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organisation's goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts. Focus on clear communication and confidence, especially when discussing your relevant experience in education and leadership.