This book provides an overview anddiscussion of the evidence base of effective school inspections; reflecting on issuesof validity and reliability of school inspections in relation to schooleffectiveness research, unintended consequences and emergent roles andresponsibilities of Inspectorates of Education. Chapters include findings from systematicliterature reviews and primary research while also presenting a range ofpractical examples from inspections systems from all over the world. The bookprovides relevant background materials for Inspectorates of Education who aimto improve the effectiveness of their systems and working methods, as well as clearexamples for researchers aiming to analyse and understand the effectiveness ofthese systems. The final chapter reflects on changes in the currenteducation landscape and discusses newer models of school inspections that fitwithin a more decentralized inspection system.