ISI annual review of inspections

🏷️ FREE for BSA members
🎧 Heads and Senior Leaders of Boarding Schools, DSLs, Boarding House Staff / Houseparents
📍Online

Course Overview

This free webinar will provide members with a focused review of the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) 2024–25 inspection findings, highlighting the significant areas where many boarding schools failed to meet the National Minimum Standards (NMS). Drawing from the latest inspection outcomes, the session will explore key compliance challenges around safeguarding, pupil safety, fire precautions, and staff recruitment, as well as the knock-on effects on the management and development of boarding provision. Attendees will gain practical insights and guidance on how to address these shortcomings effectively, ensuring stronger compliance and safer environments for boarders.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key findings from ISI’s 2024–25 inspection review.
• Identify the most common areas of non-compliance with boarding school NMS.
• Recognise the interconnection between safeguarding, safety, and management failures.
• Apply practical steps to strengthen safeguarding, fire safety, and recruitment processes.
• Enhance boarding provision management to ensure ongoing compliance and inspection readiness.

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Speakers:

David Walker FTIOB, Executive Director, Boarding & Education and Director, BSA/TIOB
David has over 20 years’ experience in boarding. His career includes leadership roles in senior and prep school settings across the UK and Africa, complemented by service as a prep school governor and trustee of a multi-academy trust. David was previously Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-educational independent school, where he oversaw student welfare. His background in safeguarding, boarding leadership, and governance gives him a broad perspective on the sector, enabling him to support schools.

Dale Wilkins FTIOB, Executive Director, BSA Group Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance
Dale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding, inspection, and compliance across the UK, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI, Ofsted, and the DfE, while also overseeing the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, he is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Dale previously spent 31 years as a boarding practitioner, including roles as Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. Beyond education, he trains for the Methodist Church, is a charity trustee, chairs a performing arts organisation, and volunteers widely.