2026 report highlights
Pupils are confident, articulate and independent.
I'm delighted to share some highlights from our recent successful ISI inspection.
In April, the team of seven inspectors spent two and a half days at Woldingham observing lessons, assemblies and extra-curricular activities, having discussions with me, members of SLT, governors and other members of staff as well as our students. They joined students for breakfast, lunch and supper in the dining room, enjoyed student-led tours of the school, visited our boarding houses, our sports facilities and our SEN department and The Hub as well as scrutinising students' work, our policies and safeguarding protocols.
They were impressed by all areas of Woldingham life, from our teaching staff who 'inspire pupils to be ambitious', the breadth of subject choices we offer and students' ability to reflect on their work which 'enables them to achieve consistently well in public examinations'. They remarked on 'our effective action to promote pupils' wellbeing' and the positive impact of the creation of the ‘wellbeing hub', our development of students' social awareness, our boarding teams offering 'attentive pastoral care' and our 'caring and inclusive culture', together with effective governance and leadership programmes – all noticeably underpinned by the Sacred Heart goals.
Overall, they observed that Woldingham girls 'are confident, articulate and independent', which fills me with immense pride.
The inspection process is naturally rigorous, leaving no stone unturned; two areas for us to focus on are to “strengthen the careers programme for Years 7 to 9” and “ensure that policies and plans are promptly updated to reflect developments and changes in provision”.
I am extremely grateful to students, parents, staff and governors for their support in the inspection process. We should celebrate the excellence and high standards the inspectors observed across all areas of school life.
The full report can be found on our website.
Sue Baillie
Head
Quality of education
They [teachers] inspire pupils to be ambitious, encouraging them to think deeply and question ideas.
The curriculum enables pupils to acquire a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills, supported by cross-curricular links and enrichment opportunities.
Positive relationships between teachers and pupils encourage pupils to ask questions, challenge ideas and offer their own points of view.
Pupils are highly motivated, apply effort in individual and collaborative tasks and make good progress.
Student wellbeing
Pupils learn how to develop positive relationships, respect boundaries and develop strategies for their personal growth and self-regulation.
Staff are effectively trained to support pupils who have special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) with thoughtful and individualised strategies so that they make good progress.
Staff in the ‘wellbeing hub’ support pupils’ emotional and mental health needs.
Boarders’ health and wellbeing are well supported by attentive pastoral care, with staff highly visible and accessible to pupils.
Leadership
Leaders provide a leadership programme for pupils in Year 9 and above to promote pupils' self-confidence and self-esteem and develop their communication, leadership and coaching skills.
Pupils in the sixth form choose to take an externally credited leadership programme to prepare them for their next steps.
Through the leadership programme, older pupils are encouraged to run clubs and societies with appropriate adult supervision.
Leaders listen to the views of parents, staff and pupils to self-evaluate provision across different aspects of the school.
Sacred Heart goals
The Sacred Heart goals of faith, community, intellect, social awareness and personal growth are in embedded throughout the curriculum to develop courage, confidence and compassion in pupils.
The aims of the school, rooted in the Sacred Heart goals, are embedded in daily life.
Pupils of all faiths and none are welcomed to the chapel and chaplaincy centre for spiritual discussion and reflection.
Leaders promote a caring and inclusive culture for pupils.
Pupils are encouraged to develop independent thought, creativity and autonomy as they compose, design or develop their own work.
Leaders are ambitious in developing pupils' social awareness and preparing them for life beyond school.
Pupils are confident to challenge each other and express and defend their own views with respect for others, developing balanced views and opinions.
Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7YA (for satellite navigation please use postcode CR3 7LR) 01883 349431 info@woldinghamschool.co.uk woldinghamschool.co.uk