Ofsted: where to mail a FOI request
To send a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Ofsted, mail it to Ofsted, Information Management, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. Ofsted inspects and regulates schools, childcare, and children's social care in England — FOI requests here commonly seek a specific school's inspection evidence or complaint records. Include a clear description of the records you want, any identifying details, and a return address, and confirm the office on the source below before anything time-sensitive.
Ofsted — FOI request address
Ofsted Information Management Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests only. Regular correspondence, complaints, or media inquiries should go to Ofsted's general contact address instead.
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OfstedInformation ManagementStore StreetManchester, M1 2WD
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Key facts
- This is Ofsted's published FOI correspondence address — a different mailbox from its general correspondence address.
- Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
- Statutory response window: 20 working days from receipt, extendable for large or complex requests.
- Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
- If refused or ignored, you can appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- PostPal prints your request and mails it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or post office trip.
How to send your letter
- 1
Write your request
State clearly that this is a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and describe the records you want as specifically as you can — dates, names, file or reference numbers, and the office or program area, if you know them. Vague requests take longer to process.
- 2
Include what they need to identify you
If you're requesting your own file, include your full name and any identifying number the institution uses (case, claim, or file number) so they can locate the right record. Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
- 3
Address it to the request office
First line: Ofsted. Then: Information Management. Then: Piccadilly Gate. Then the street: Store Street. Then the final line: Manchester M1 2WD.
- 4
Send it with PostPal
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address above prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or trip to the post office.
Common questions
What is the Ofsted FOI mailing address?
Ofsted, Information Management, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. This is the office's published FOI correspondence address — confirm it on the source below before anything time-sensitive, since request offices occasionally relocate.
What records can I request from Ofsted under FOI?
Ofsted inspects and regulates schools, childcare, and children's social care in England — FOI requests here commonly seek a specific school's inspection evidence or complaint records. Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
How long does Ofsted have to respond?
The statutory response window is 20 working days from when the request is received, though it can be extended for large or complex requests — the office is required to notify you if that happens.
Does a FOI request cost anything?
Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
What if my request is refused or I don't get a response?
You can appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Keep a copy of your original request and the date you sent it — you'll need both for an appeal.
How do I mail a FOI request without a printer?
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, stamps, or post office trip needed.
Sources
Addresses verified September 2026 against official sources. Always confirm on the official site before time-sensitive filings.