Educating For Life
A review of the 2025 ISI Report
Introduction
I am delighted to introduce this Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report, which reflects the strength, warmth and ambition that characterise our school community. The inspectors found that the quality of pupils’ achievement, teaching and learning, behaviour, and personal development are all strong, and that pupils flourish within a caring, well-structured environment. We are particularly pleased that the report highlights the excellent relationships between pupils and staff, the purposeful atmosphere in lessons, and the school’s commitment to pupils’ personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE).
The inspectors found that the school meets all standards relating to the quality of education, training and pupils’ personal development. Pupils were commended for their engagement, mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning qualities which underpin the academic and co-curricular success that the school continues to enjoy.
A small number of standards were identified as unmet, all relating to aspects of compliance documentation and administrative policy rather than to the daily experience or welfare of pupils. These include the timely reporting of pupils who leave at non-standard times, the need to update certain safeguarding and attendance policies, and the recording of low-level concerns. Work to address these areas began immediately following the inspection, and revised policies and reporting mechanisms have now been implemented to ensure full compliance.
I am extremely proud of our pupils, staff and wider community for the spirit of openness and dedication they displayed throughout the inspection process. This report confirms that our school continues to offer an excellent and nurturing education, while also reminding us of the importance of continuous reflection and improvement.
Leadership and Management and Governance
Reason, religion and loving kindness are imbedded into all aspects of school life.
Pastoral leaders priotise pupils’ health and wellbeing.
There is a thorough approach to the curriculum and assessment of pupils.
Leaders encourage pupils to respect one another.
Appropriate information is provided to parents relating to their child’s learning, progress and attainment.
Pupils are able to participate in a range of activities, including residential trips, which support their wider education.
Effective risk assessment supports pupils’ safety, security and wellbeing.
Leaders respond promptly to any complaints or concerns raised and take suitable action.
Heads of Department review data and identify individuals who might need adaptations.
Quality of Education, Training and Recreation
Pupils are interested and engaged in their learning.
Teachers encourage collaboration and discussion among pupils in their lessons.
There is a well-planned and structured curriculum throughout the school.
Leaders provide a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for pupils to enjoy.
Teachers are knowledgeable and utilise effective resources in the classroom to promote learning.
Teachers provide constructive and regular feedback.
Leaders ensure that feedback is effective so that pupils understand how to improve their work.
Leaders with responsibility for pupils who have SEND scrutinise pupils’ profiles carefully...and ensure that appropriate targeted support is in place.
Well-planned assessment strategies are in place...Departmental leaders carefully track pupils’ progress in each subject.
Pupils’Physical and Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Leaders consistently emphasise the school's values.
Pupils typically behave well in the school’s wider environment.
Leaders have devised a mental health policy for pupils which is effectively implemented across the whole school.
Leaders prioritise pupils’ spiritual development in line with the school's Catholic ethos.
Staff supervision is friendly and vigilant.
The well-equipped and staffed learning support centre provides a safe and calm space.
The RSE programme is well planned and delivers appropriate guidance.
Staff manage behaviour calmly and consistently … they praise pupils for good manners, independence and maturity.
The school emphasises the importance of physical education (PE) … which is taught effectively by skilled staff.
Pupil’s Social and Economic Education and Contribution to Society
Pupils develop an understanding of the difference between right and wrong, grounded in the school’s Catholic ethos.
Leaders embed the teaching of fundamental British Values across all subjects.
Leaders actively promote opportunities that enable pupils to show initiative and contribute ... through an extensive charitable activities programme.
Leaders have developed a broad, wellplanned and impartial careers programme.
Safeguarding
Pupils understand how to report any concerns they have.
Leaders ensure that online safety is taught across all age groups both within the PHSE programme and in computing lessons.
Staff receive safeguarding training ... they prioritise the wellbeing of students in their care.
A thorough recruitment process is in place.
Areas for Action
The next steps from the report are to:
• Have clear systems in place to ensure the local authority is informed when pupils leave the school at non-standard times.
• Maintain safeguarding records fully in line with current statutory guidance.
• Ensure that leaders and staff understand their responsibilities for recording low-level concerns.
• Review policies relating to safeguarding and attendance to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements.
We are pleased to confirm that all these matters have now been addressed, with some actions completed during the inspection period itself. Updated systems and procedures are now fully embedded, and relevant staff have received additional guidance and training. We are confident that the school is now fully compliant.
Conclusion
The inspection confirms that the school remains deeply rooted in the Salesian ethos and the spirit of Don Bosco, where a genuine sense of family, faith, and joy permeates daily life. Pupils are exceptionally well cared for, reflecting the school’s strong pastoral commitment, and they benefit from a broad and ambitious academic education that encourages both intellectual and personal growth. While the inspection identified a small number of administrative areas that required updating, these have, by the time of publication, been addressed. Overall, the school continues to thrive as a vibrant community that successfully combines academic excellence with the nurturing of the whole person in accordance with its Salesian mission.
