PPC_ISI_Report'25

Prior Park College ISI Report 2025

Headmaster ’s Foreword

Our students and their parents know that Prior Park College is a special place. It is a school which makes a real difference to all those families who choose to become part of our community. It is incredibly heartening to see the strength of our community recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The inspectors’ visit in October 2025 was genuinely exciting. Our students took great delight in sharing the love they have for their school. They wowed the inspectors with their enthusiasm for being here at Prior Park. This enthusiasm and energy were shared by our parents, whose comments about our school were described by the inspectors as ‘glowing’.

It was, in short, an inspection which showed just how amazing this school is.

I am thrilled to be able to share the main findings from the inspectors’ three days with us in Bath. I know that our current parents will recognise their child’s school in the pages which follow. I hope that those parents considering the next steps in their child’s education will see from this report just what an extraordinary school Prior Park is.

Ben Horan Headmaster, Prior Park College

Top 10 Inspection Highlights

Pupils’ wellbeing is central to all leadership and governor decisions.

A positive, purposeful culture is modelled consistently by senior leaders.

A broad and challenging curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of creative, academic and aesthetic experiences.

Our teachers have high levels of subject knowledge and plan lessons that stimulate pupils’ interest.

Our pupils make good progress and achieve well at GCSE and A-Level.

Warm, trusting relationships create a positive atmosphere for learning.

Our rich co-curricular programme builds confidence, creativity and teamwork skills.

All the relevant standards were met

Pastoral support nurtures pupils’ emotional resilience and self esteem.

Our boarding houses provide a deep sense of community and belonging.

Our well-structured careers programme helps pupils make informed future choices.

Summary of inspection findings

Leadership and management, and governance

“Governors and leaders place pupils’ wellbeing at the centre of their decision making.”

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“Senior leaders have established a positive, purposeful culture grounded in the school’s core values which they model consistently.”

“Boarding houses are well run and characterised by a culture of inclusion and community life.”

Summary of inspection findings

Quality of education, training and recreation “The broad and challenging curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of creative, academic and aesthetic experiences.”

“Pupils take a keen interest in their studies and show high levels of motivation.”

“The school offers a rich programme of co-curricular and recreational activities… developing confidence, creativity and teamwork skills.”

“Pupils make good progress and achieve well in GCSE and A-Level examinations.”

“Teachers have high levels of subject knowledge and plan lessons that stimulate pupils’ interest.”

Summary of inspection findings

Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing “Pupils develop their agility and movement skills through a variety of activities including team sports and athletics.”

“Boarding houses promote a deep sense of community and belonging.”

“Co-ordinated and effective support nurtures pupils’ emotional resilience and self esteem.”

“Leaders ensure that older pupils act as positive role models.”

Summary of inspection findings

“The curriculum encourages pupils to respect and value diversity and individual identity.”

Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society

“Multicultural Week deepens pupils’ understanding of diverse perspectives.”

“Pupils participate enthusiastically in musical life, contributing to House competitions and choirs.”

“The well-structured careers programme enables pupils to make informed decisions about their future choices.”

“DofE, CCF and the Model United Nations club develop pupils’ leadership skills.”

“While I bought into the ethics and culture of Prior Park a long time ago it is always reassuring to have this proven by actions and not just words; that your priority is the pastoral care of the young people that pass through your doors, present and past.”

Current Parent