The increasing role of education technology within Ofsted inspections

As colleges embed digital solutions within their teaching and learning strategies, Ofsted are keen to understand the design, efficacy and impact these approaches are having for teachers and learners.

At the AoC Annual Conference 2025, Mindful Education’s Managing Director, Mark McKenna, delivered a breakout session which examined the increasing role of education technology within Ofsted inspections. Along with panellists Jenny Craig, Principal and CEO, Buckinghamshire College Group; Robin Webber-Jones, Executive Director of Curriculum, Bedford College Group; and Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships, Nottingham College , the session explored:

• How Ofsted is report on the use of education technology, digital tools and digital skills in teaching and learning – and what this means for colleges
• The essential role of technology within adult learning and apprenticeship delivery
• The role that technology can play in supporting inclusion – particularly for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
• The importance of taking a holistic approach to the use of technology and AI
• The new Ofsted framework through an education technology and digital skills lens

You can download resources from the session here:

• Breakout session slides
• Tech-powered inclusion: boosting participation and driving accessibility for learners

Watch the full recording of the session and panel discussion below.