Research highlights impact of Ofsted on those educating teachers

While the impact of Ofsted inspections on schoolteachers and leaders is well-documented, this latest paper by Dr Sabrina Fitzsimons of Dublin City University (DCU) and Dr David Smith of RGU, shines a light on a lesser-known group deeply affected by the process—teacher educators, those who are responsible for training the next generation of teachers.

Research found that many teacher educators experience anticipatory stress. likened to the worry one may feel when waiting to take an important end-of-term exam. The pressure to prepare and prove their competence doubles their workload, taking time away from actual teaching and mentoring.

Some described the inspection process as toxic and indicated that 'If anything was going to drive you out of teacher training… it would be Ofsted'.

Dr Fitzsimmons and Dr Smith have made key recommendations to Ofsted to reform and offer better support by:
•    Providing a more precise inspection timeline to reduce uncertainty;
•    Reducing the volume of paperwork required during inspections; and
•    Offering better mental health support during the inspection period.

Dr Fitzsimons, of DCU’s School of Policy and Practice, said: “The unpredictability of Ofsted inspections creates a pervasive and chronic stress that affects work and personal well-being. For example, some teacher educators reported being on ‘constant red alert’, saying they were forced to plan their entire lives around the possibility of getting ‘the call’—sometimes waiting for months in a state of anxiety.

“We want policymakers, educational leaders, and the public to recognise that teacher educators are not privileged, out-of-touch academics in ivory towers, but dedicated professionals under immense pressure, facing excessive workloads and mental health strains due to unpredictable, high-stakes inspections. If we don't act, we may lose highly qualified and experienced people to industry or other professions that value and trust in their ability to do their jobs to high standards without constant scrutiny.”

Dr Smith, a Lecturer in Psychology in RGU’s School of Law and Social Sciences, added: “In this study we explain how the stressors teacher educators face during inspections can lead to poor well-being. We identify potential ways the stress can be mitigated. This can enhance the overall quality of education, benefiting students and society by ensuring a well-prepared teaching workforce.”

This research is part of a larger study on the occupational wellbeing of teacher educators in the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

Teacher educators working in HEI-based accredited Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes across Ireland and the UK were invited via email to participate in the study, which started in September 2023.

The findings are currently being shared through publication and conference proceedings. 

Dr David Smith, the RGU researcher, standing on stage during other research projects