St Edmund’s celebrates excellent ISI inspection report

St Edmund’s College & Prep School, Ware, is proud to have received highly positive feedback from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following a recent inspection visit. The school is amongst the first independent schools to be inspected using the new framework set out by the ISI, which came into effect in September 2023 and no longer provides an overall judgement or grading on the calibre of a school.

Under ISI’s new evaluation, ‘Framework 23’, schools now receive a comprehensive report outlining main inspection findings, including the extent to which the school meets the standards set in relation to various criteria. St Edmund’s College & Prep School is pleased to announce that it has met the expected standards for all the below focus areas assessed in the inspection:

–        Leadership and management, and governance

–        Pupils’ education, training and recreation

–        Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing

–        Pupils’ social and economic wellbeing and contribution to society

–        Safeguarding.

St Edmund’s inspection took place between 7 – 9 November 2023 with a team of inspectors visiting the school to undertake a series of thorough assessments and observations. Clearly impressed with the high-quality leadership at the school, inspectors noted that: ‘Governors and senior leaders provide a clear vision for delivering the aims of the school, reinforced through the Catholic, and inclusive, ethos’. Inspectors added that: ‘Leaders have ensured that the curriculum is suitable and broad, and that the teaching is effective.’

Within the Prep School, inspectors said that pupils: ‘…make good progress and achieve well within a vibrant early years setting’, with children’s learning: ‘well-supported’. Inspectors noted that: ‘By the time they leave the Prep School, most pupils attain above the average in English and Mathematics’ and are also: ‘…well prepared for the next stage of their education.’

In the Senior School, inspectors stated that students: ‘…achieve success in external examinations that often exceeds expectations in relation to their starting points’ and: ‘…make good progress in their learning’.  Additionally, inspectors praised pupils’ overall behaviour, stating students are: ‘…very well behaved, showing great respect for each other and for adults.’

The report praised the numerous compulsory enrichment activities available at St Edmund’s, which support the curriculum in both the Prep and Senior Schools. Inspectors stated that these extra opportunities: ‘…actively promote pupils’ personal and social development’. Inspectors said that: ‘School leaders are committed to broadening pupils’ interests and experiences by providing a very wide range of activities for pupils of all ages.’

Inspectors also noted that: ‘Leaders’ decision-making and planning ensure that pupils of all ages have numerous opportunities to take part in service activities or charitable work’ and: ‘…show great initiative, responsibility and empathy…selflessly committing to the wide range of voluntary activity and charitable work evident both within and beyond the school community’.

Further observations highlighted St Edmund’s: ‘…broad curriculum, alongside the extensive co-curriculum and wide range of extra-curricular activities’ and that these help ‘…ensure that the school is highly successful in its aim to recognise each pupil’s unique combination of talents and to educate the whole person.’

With regards to wellbeing at St Edmund’s, inspectors commended the school, noting that it: ‘…places a high priority on supporting good mental health and emotional wellbeing’ and that ‘…pupils feel safe at school’.

Matthew Mostyn, Headmaster at St Edmund’s College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a first-class inspection report from the ISI. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the unwavering support of our parent community and the remarkable achievements of our students. Together we have fostered an environment where every child can thrive, both academically and personally. We consistently strive to provide the highest standard of education and pastoral care to our pupils. This excellent achievement reinforces that commitment.”

To watch a short video summarising key inspection findings, click here

All independent schools across England are registered with the Department for Education (DfE) and are regulated by the Secretary of State for Education. The ISI is appointed by the DfE to scrutinise independent schools in England and to conduct thorough evaluations.

The ISI is the agency responsible for the inspection of schools whose Heads are members of one of ISI’s member associations in England. ISI is a Government approved inspectorate, and the quality of its service is monitored by Ofsted on behalf of the DfE. Inspection is for the benefit of pupils and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education and welfare. Boarding schools are inspected more frequently than day schools.