Pupil Voice in the New Ofsted Framework: Promoting British Values and Oracy
With Ofsted now focusing more on personal development, inclusion, and active citizenship in their new framework, schools are thinking carefully about how to show that British Values are being lived out, not just displayed on the wall. The good news is that your pupil voice work already gives you a strong foundation to do this.
Here are some simple ways to bring British Values and oracy to life across your school while meeting Ofsted’s expectations - all with the help of your school council!
1. Make British Values Part of Everyday School Life
Big ideas like democracy or the rule of law can feel a bit abstract for pupils - until they see them in action. Giving students a say in real decisions helps them understand these values in a meaningful way.
💡 Try this: Run a class meeting on a topic that affects them - maybe what charity to support or how to use the school garden - and link it back to how democracy works.
2. Connect Values to Real Events
Pupils are more engaged when they can see the relevance of what they’re learning. Linking British Values to things happening locally or nationally helps them make sense of why these ideas matter.
💡 Try this: Use an assembly or class discussion to talk about fairness and respect in a recent sports match or community event. These real-world links make values feel current and relatable.
3. Build Confidence Through Oracy
Ofsted’s focus on oracy is all about helping pupils express themselves clearly and listen to others. Pupil voice activities like class councils or debate sessions are great ways to build those skills naturally.
💡 Try this: Use your class meetings or debate club to practise speaking and listening. Encourage pupils to explain their ideas - and to change their minds when they hear something new!
4. Make Sure Every Pupil Can Take Part
Inclusive pupil voice means hearing from everyone - not just the loudest voices. Ofsted will want to see that your systems make it easy for all pupils to contribute, including those who might be shy or have SEND.
💡 Try this: Use quick surveys, idea boxes, or rotating class reps so every pupil has a chance to share their thoughts in a way that suits them best.
5. Weave Values Across the Curriculum
British Values and oracy don’t need to be separate lessons. They can run through everything you do - from PSHE and RE to art, drama, or history. This helps pupils see that these values aren’t just school rules, but part of everyday life.
💡 Try this: Link a history topic on rights or equality to discussions about democracy today, or reflect on tolerance through a creative project.
If you’d like a deeper dive into practical, whole-school approaches that make pupil voice and British Values genuinely inclusive, we’ve put together a simple guide here that explains each one and shares practical ways schools can embed them.
💡 Want to see these ideas in action?
Join our free webinar ‘Pupil Voice in the New Ofsted Framework: Promoting British Values and Oracy’ tomorrow, Wednesday 8th October at 3:45pm.
You’ll hear practical examples and strategies you can start using straight away.
👉 Book your spot here
