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What is SIAMS?

Purpose of SIAMS inspections

The purpose of a SIAMS inspection is to evaluate how effectively a Church of England school’s Christian vision enables pupils and adults to flourish. Inspection focuses on the impact of the school’s vision on the whole life of the school, including leadership, relationships, curriculum, collective worship and religious education. SIAMS supports schools in their ongoing development as places of dignity, hope, aspiration and service.

How SIAMS differs from Ofsted

Although both inspections play an important role in accountability and improvement, SIAMS and Ofsted have different purposes and focus on different aspects of school life. Remember: A strong SIAMS inspection is not about being “perfect”. It is about knowing your story, living your vision, and reflecting honestly on your journey.

SIAMS Ofsted
Focuses on a school’s Christian vision Focuses on the overall quality of education
Explores how vision is lived out and experienced Evaluates curriculum, teaching and outcomes
Considers how pupils and adults flourish Considers achievement, behaviour and standards
Inspection is a professional, reflective conversation Inspection is more evaluative and judgement-led
Emphasises impact rather than paperwork Requires a range of documented evidence
Looks at collective worship and religious education Inspects subjects within the wider curriculum
Recognises a school's unique context and story Applies a common framework to all schools
Supports reflection and ongoing development Focuses on accountability and improvement priorities

SIAMS inspection focus areas

During your SIAMS inspections, inspectors will be looking at different aspects of your school:

  • A clear and lived Christian vision

    Inspectors will look for:

    • A vision rooted in Christian theology
    • A vision that is known, understood and articulated by leaders, staff, governors and pupils
    • Evidence that the vision is more than words and is shaping everyday practice

    They will ask: How does your vision influence what you do and why you do it?

  • Vision led leadership and decision making

    Inspectors are interested in how leaders:

    • Use the vision to guide strategic and day‑to‑day decisions
    • Support staff wellbeing and development
    • Create a culture of dignity, respect and professional trust

    Leadership is explored through impact and narrative, not leadership files.

  • How pupils and adults flourish

    SIAMS focuses strongly on flourishing. Inspectors will explore:

    • How pupils experience care, respect and encouragement
    • How the school supports wellbeing, inclusion and belonging
    • How adults are supported to thrive in their roles

    Inspectors will speak directly to pupils and staff to understand their lived experience.

  • Relationships and school culture

    Inspectors will explore whether relationships across the school:

    • Reflect Christian values such as love, compassion, forgiveness and justice
    • Promote dignity for all
    • Support positive behaviour and reconciliation

    They are looking for a culture shaped by vision, not behaviour systems alone.

     

  • Curriculum, collective worship and religious education

    Inspectors will explore the impact of:

    • Religious Education as a core subject
    • Collective worship as invitational, inclusive and inspirational
    • The wider curriculum where it supports spiritual, moral and cultural development

    The focus is on quality, purpose and contribution.

  • Reflection and self understanding

    Inspectors expect schools to:

    • Know their strengths as a Church school
    • Be honest and reflective about areas for development
    • Demonstrate ongoing learning rather than perfection

    This is supported by a SEF, but the conversation matters more than the document.

What inspectors are not looking for

SIAMS inspectors are not looking for extra folders, rehearsed answers or a one‑day performance. They are looking for a genuine story of how Christian vision is shaping school life.

Frequency of inspection

SIAMS inspections for Church of England schools usually take place on a cycle determined by the National Society for Education (NSE).

In most cases:

  • Schools with a secure and effective Christian vision are inspected approximately every five years
  • Inspection scheduling takes into account the previous SIAMS judgement
  • Timing may vary depending on national arrangements and local circumstances

You can find more information on the NSE / Church of England SIAMS pages


If you have questions, please contact our Assistant Director of Education - Katrina Carroll

Related pages

The SIAMS Framework

SIAMS inspections are carried out in line with the 2023 Framework and in line with national policies. The current framework (September 2023) guides all SIAMS judgements. Leaders should understand…

See our The SIAMS Framework page

The SIAMS Process

Find out more about the process for inspection including scheduling cycles, notification timescales and the Appeal and Complaints procedure.

See our The SIAMS Process page

The Summary SEF

What is a Summary SEF? Thorough ongoing self-evaluation provides a useful support for a school's development as a church school. A Summary SEF (Self‑Evaluation Form) is a brief, reflective overview of…

See our The Summary SEF page

Diocesan Partnership and Support

Is SIAMS asking schools to engage with the Diocese? Yes — but in a specific and purposeful way. SIAMS explores: The quality of the relationship between the school and the diocese How schools…

See our Diocesan Partnership and Support page

Requesting a SIAMS Deferral – When to Ask and How

When to ask for a deferral There may be circumstances where a school feels it is appropriate to request a deferral of a SIAMS inspection. The SIAMS deferral policy is published on the National Society…

See our Requesting a SIAMS Deferral – When to Ask and How page