If you’ve uploaded your SEF document and see a Your Document Couldn’t Be Processed message, this means TILDA couldn’t extract any SEF-related content from your file.
Why This Happens
There are a few reasons your SEF upload might fail:
The document doesn’t follow the 2025 Ofsted Framework
Your SEF must use the Ofsted (2025) structure.
Files based on the old EIF framework or other templates aren't recognised.
You'll usually get at least a partial match on old frameworks.
The document contains only images or scanned pages
TILDA can’t extract text from image-based or scanned documents (e.g. screenshots or photos).
Copy your text into a standard Word or PDF file instead.
The document doesn’t include any SEF content
If the file doesn’t contain any written content related to Ofsted SEF sections, it will fail.
Double-check that your document actually includes your self-evaluation text.
How to Fix It
Follow these checks before trying again:
Check your framework: Make sure the SEF you’re uploading is written for Ofsted (2025), not EIF or an earlier version.
Check your content: Confirm the document includes written text under Ofsted section headings (e.g. Safeguarding, Inclusion, Curriculum & Teaching).
Avoid images and embedded charts: If your document contains complex layouts, images, or embedded charts, try simplifying or copying the text into a plain document.
Try re-uploading: Once you’ve made the changes, return to the Upload & Autofill banner and click Re-Upload.