Postgraduate courses in School Inspection and Assessment

Are you interested in ensuring high standards of education across the UK? As a school inspector that is exactly what you will do. If you are eager to ensure the education provided in institutions across the UK meet national standards, you can!

Have a look at the information we have gathered below which might help you should you be interested in a postgraduate course in this area.

What is school inspection and assessment?

School Inspection and assessment is exactly what you’d expect it to be. It involves visiting places of education to ensure work is being carried out effectively. 

Generally, inspectors will specialise in a particular area and inspect, observe and make suggestions in that area based on what they have seen. Inspector may also interview staff and students in order to gain a more balanced view and hear from those both carrying out the service and availing of it. You will write a report based on everything you have seen and assess how the school or education institution is performing based on the national standards. 

The aim is to ensure that students are getting the best possible standard of learning and facilities to aid them on their learning journey. It is mostly a 9-5 style job, working Monday to Friday. Specific hours may vary based on specific inspections where you may be required to work longer hours when inspecting. 

It is a job that is largely office or even home based and may require travel and a night or to away from home depending on how far you have to travel to carry out inspection.  

Courses

There are courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. The majority of courses available under this heading are related to landscaping. Courses available include:

Education (Assessment)

A postgraduate course in Education (Assessment) will allow students to understand the purposes, theories, policies and potential uses of formative assessments. You will gain knowledge in knowing the importance of carrying out educational testing and as well as critical engagement. Students will gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to carry out useful and effective inspections and assessments while tackling different relevant issues. 

Learning, Teaching & Assessment Practice in Higher Education (PgCert)

Courses in this area are suited to those who are already in a teaching and assessment role in a higher education. You will be able to develop your skills and knowledge to a new and high level and as well as understand, learn and develop your engagement with scholarship of learning and teaching in order to ensure curriculums and are carried out to the highest level. You will also investigate how assessment and feedback practice shapes learning. 

Another course available is Master of Education (MEd) Individual Specialist Assessment, Special Education Needs and & Access Arrangements. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1 in a related area, such as teaching, and show a large interest and knowledge of the education system. 

Salary 

Your salary working in this role may be impacted by who you are working for and your experience. It is believed that your salary may be around £45,400 in this role if you were to be employed by Ofsted or similar. Salaries can range from £40,000 – £70,000. Starting out, it may be a lower salary and rise with experience in some cases. All figures are based on estimates and are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Related Jobs

• School Inspector
• Primary teacher
• Secondary teacher
• SNA
• Principal

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this are include:

• Excellent communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• The ability to work well with others
• Time management skills
• Organisation skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent writing skills
• Observant
• Critical thinker
• An analytical mind
• Confidence
• Interviewing skills