ISI Highlights 2026

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Routine Inspection Highlights April 2026

“Leaders and staff collectively and actively promote pupils’ wellbeing.

The school is an inclusive and supportive community.”

Overall Outcome The ISI inspection found that all Independent School Standards were met across all five inspection areas.

Inspectors highlighted strong leadership, high-quality teaching, excellent pastoral care, robust safeguarding arrangements, and a broad educational experience that prepares pupils well for their future lives.

Message from the Principal At St Joseph's College, we believe education is about more than academic success. It is about helping young people develop the confidence, character and curiosity to thrive in a changing world.

This inspection confirms many of the strengths we see every day across our community: strong relationships, ambitious teaching, a deep commitment to wellbeing and a culture in which pupils feel supported to challenge themselves and contribute positively to others.

I was particularly pleased to see inspectors recognise St Joseph's as "an inclusive and supportive community" and acknowledge the way our values of Aspiration, Respect and Confidence shape the experience of every pupil.

The report also reflects something that matters deeply to us: that learning happens best when young people feel safe, known and valued. From the classroom to the sports field, from boarding to co-curricular life, our staff work tirelessly to create opportunities for every pupil to grow and succeed.

My thanks go to our pupils, staff, governors and families. This report is a reflection of our shared commitment to creating an environment where young people can flourish today and make a meaningful contribution tomorrow.

Mrs Danielle Clarke

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

ISI HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2026

Leadership and management, and governance

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Governors know and understand the school well and provide leaders with appropriate challenge and support.

”

Governors and leaders work collaboratively to ensure that the school's values of Aspiration, Respect and Confidence are embedded throughout school life. Inspection evidence shows a culture of continuous improvement, effective self-evaluation and strong governance oversight.

Leaders monitor provision carefully, implement policies effectively and work proactively with external agencies to strengthen educational and safeguarding practices. The school demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and equality.

Key Strengths in Leadership and Governance: Strong partnership between governors and senior leaders.

Effective self-evaluation and strategic planning.

School values consistently promoted across the community.

Inclusive culture supporting individual pupil needs.

Effective engagement with external agencies and safeguarding partners.

Robust risk assessment and risk management processes.

Strong boarding leadership and oversight.

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

ISI HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2026

Quality of education, training and recreation

Inspectors found that pupils benefit from a broad, ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that enables them to make good progress and achieve well. Teaching is characterised by strong subject knowledge, effective questioning and well-planned learning opportunities.

Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, engage thoughtfully in lessons and develop increasing independence as learners.

A rich programme of extra-curricular activities further enhances educational experiences.

“Pupils achieve well in their GCSE and Sixth Form examinations.”

Key Strengths in the quality of education Broad curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form.

Strong GCSE and Sixth Form outcomes.

High-quality teaching and subject expertise.

Effective assessment systems supporting progress.

Strong provision for pupils with SEND and EAL. Extensive co-curricular opportunities.

Excellent preparation for future education.

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

ISI HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2026

Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing

Pastoral care emerged as one of the strongest features of the inspection. Leaders, teachers and support staff work collectively to promote pupils' wellbeing, resilience, confidence and emotional development.

The school's PSHE, RSE, mental health support and sporting provision ensure that pupils are equipped to make informed choices and manage challenges positively.

"Pupils experience success and develop self-esteem and confidence."

Key Strengths in wellbeing Strong culture of wellbeing and emotional support.

Comprehensive PSHE and RSE programmes.

Excellent mental health education.

Extensive physical education and sporting opportunities.

Positive behaviour culture rooted in respect.

Strong anti-bullying procedures.

Effective support for boarders.

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

ISI HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2026

Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society

Inspectors found that pupils develop a mature understanding of diversity, citizenship, responsibility and service to others. The curriculum and wider school experience prepare pupils effectively for life in modern Britain and the wider world.

International partnerships, charitable activities, leadership opportunities and financial education all contribute to pupils' personal development.

"Pupils develop a mature view of others and are prepared well to make a positive contribution to British and global society."

Key Strengths in social education Strong promotion of inclusion, equality and diversity.

Effective financial and economic education.

Extensive leadership opportunities.

Meaningful charitable engagement.

Good preparation for adult life.

Strong understanding of democracy and British institutions.

Global outlook through international partnerships.

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

ISI HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2026

Safeguarding

Safeguarding was judged to be robust and highly effective.

Inspectors found a strong safeguarding culture supported by welltrained staff, effective leadership oversight and comprehensive procedures.

Staff understand their responsibilities and leaders maintain strong partnerships with external safeguarding agencies.

"Leaders and staff provide a robust and thorough safeguarding culture."

Key Strengths in safeguarding Strong safeguarding culture.

Effective governor oversight.

Comprehensive staff training.

Detailed safeguarding records.

Effective reporting systems for pupils.

Strong online safety education.

Robust filtering and monitoring systems.

Thorough safer recruitment procedures.

www.stjos.co.uk