In accordance with articles 148 and 151 of Organic Law 2/2006 on Education (LOE), amended by Organic Law 3/2020 (LOMLOE), the control and administrative inspection of non-university education is carried out by the Inspection Services of the autonomous communities, whose functions are carried out by the Body of Education Inspectors.

The autonomous communities define the functions of the education inspectorate, which include:

• monitoring and evaluating the functioning of schools and teaching practice;
• participation in the evaluation of the education system;
• monitoring compliance with current regulations, principles and values of the education system, including equality between women and men;
• advising the educational community;
• the preparation of reports;
• and guidance to management teams on positive coexistence, participation and conflict resolution.

To carry out their duties, Education Inspectors have direct access to education authorities, their academic and administrative documentation, and may request the collaboration of members of the educational community.

Requirements for appointment

The education inspectorate is made up of career teaching staff. Access to the body, as defined in the Tenth Additional Provision of the LOE, as amended by the LOMLOE, takes place through a competitive examination with a subsequent stage of practical training. Participation in the selection process requires, among other conditions, membership of a teaching body with at least 8 years' experience, possession of an advanced university degree, passing the selection process and demonstrate proficiency in the co-official language, where applicable.

The education authorities may reserve up to a third of the posts for school heads with a positive evaluation for at least three terms of service, in this case through a merits competition.

Conditions of service

The education inspectors have permanent civil service contracts and working conditions comparable to those of other teaching staff, with specific allowances related to their inspector duties. The standard work week is 37.5 hours, with flexible timetables adapted to their responsibilities and journeys.

Remuneration consists of basic salaries common to all teaching staff and supplementary salaries regulated by the autonomous communities, which include the destination supplement, specific allowances and training.

Positions are filled through state or regional transfer competitions, in accordance with current regulations. In addition, the education authorities draw up action and evaluation plans for the educational inspectorate.

The improvement and updating of the professional practice is a right and a duty for all Education Inspectors. The education authorities set up training plans linked to the exercise of the inspection tasks, including postgraduate courses, study leaves and training projects, in collaboration, where appropriate, with universities and other institutions. 

The disciplinary regime, as well as the grounds for loss of civil service status, are governed by article 96 of the Law on the Basic Statute of Public Workers. Retirement conditions are the same as for other civil servant teachers, with compulsory retirement at age 65 and pensions determined on the basis of years of service.