The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the Government approved inspectorate responsible for the inspection of Association independent schools. Schools in the Associations are ranked among the best in the world and educate more than half a million children in 1,200 schools. We see inspections as a valuable experience, as they seek to improve the quality and effectiveness of schools’ education and care.
Inspections are carried out at short notice – usually only 1 day. The inspection teams are led by professional reporting inspectors with many years’ experience, who are supported by team inspectors such as heads and senior teachers currently working in independent schools.
March 2025 School Inspection
We are delighted to be able to share the team’s findings with you officially now that the final report has been published. You can download a copy of the report at the bottom of this page.
This was the first time we have been inspected under the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s new framework, which now focusses on descriptive commentary rather than overall judgments. There are five main areas that were inspected, which include scrutiny of compliance with the hundreds of Independent School Standards Regulations (ISSRs).
The five areas are:
- Leadership and management, and governance
- Quality of education, training and recreation
- Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society
- Safeguarding
We are delighted to report that we met every one of the Standards and Regulations. No further action is required.
As there are no longer any judgments in this new inspection framework, the inspectors’ comments are key to understanding where the school is currently at. We are delighted at the huge number of positive comments and the full compliance. Some of the comments that are particularly worth noting are as follows:
- Children in the Early Years develop independence and resilience through interactive play and social collaboration.
- Leaders consistently promote pupils’ wellbeing, ensuring policies are effectively implemented and reviewed.
- Safeguarding procedures are robust and suitable. Pupils learn how to stay safe online and in the wider world.
- The school promotes a culture of continuous development. Leaders actively analyse assessment data, feedback from parents and pupils, and the outcomes of risk assessment.
- The curriculum is broad and balanced, and enables progression in knowledge, skills and understanding.
- Pupils are confident, curious and make good progress, supported by feedback from teachers which enables them to reflect on their work.
- Teaching is effective, with lessons planned to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
- Teachers make effective use of typically engaging activities, ensuring accessibility for all learners.
- Early identification of needs, adaptation of planning and use of external advisors ensure that pupils who have SEND receive effective provision to enable good progress from their starting points.
- Pupils behave respectfully towards their peers and staff.
In addition to the standard inspection, the inspection team also considered our material change request to increase the age range to 16 years and also the number of pupils in the school in order to provide a full senior education with the new building up to Year 11. We are delighted that the inspectors have recommended the request to be approved by the Department for Education.
