(1)The Chief Inspector must inspect all institutions within the further education sector [F1, and all 16 to 19 Academies,] [F2subject to subsection (1A)].

[F3(1A)The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that the duty of the Chief Inspector in subsection (1) does not apply to prescribed categories of institution in prescribed circumstances.

(1B)An institution to which the duty in subsection (1) does not apply by virtue of regulations under subsection (1A) is an “exempt institution”.]

(2)[F4Inspections under subsection (1)] are to be conducted at such intervals as may be specified by the Secretary of State.

(3)On completing an inspection under this section, the Chief Inspector must make a written report on it.

(4)The report—

(a)must state whether the Chief Inspector considers the education or training inspected to be of a quality adequate to meet the reasonable needs of those receiving it,

[F5(aa)must, in a case where it relates to an institution within the further education sector, comment on the careers guidance provided to relevant students at the institution,] and

(b)may deal with such other matters as he considers relevant.

(5)The Chief Inspector must send copies of the report to—

(a)the Secretary of State,

F6[F7(b)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ba)F8... and

(c)the provider of the education or training inspected.

(6)Copies may also be sent to such other persons as the Chief Inspector considers appropriate.

(7)The Chief Inspector must arrange for the report to be published in such manner as he considers appropriate.

[F9(8)In this section—

• “careers guidance” includes guidance about undertaking any training, education, employment or occupation;

• “relevant student” means a student—

  (a)

  who is aged under 19, or

  (b)

  who is aged 19 or over and is someone for whom an EHC plan is maintained.]