Excellent Inspection Report!
25/01/2012
We were inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in November who have finally sent us their report. A copy is available from the link above, but we thought you would be interested in a summary.
The style of the report is different to an OFSTED report. Instead of one overarching judgement there are nine. The word ‘Outstanding’ is not usually used by the Independent Schools Inspectorate who restrict themselves to Excellent, Good, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. We are judged to be the following:
The quality of the pupils’ achievements and their learning, attitudes and skills: Excellent
The contribution of curricular and extra-curricular provision: Good
The contribution of teaching: Good with some Excellent
The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils: Excellent
The contribution of arrangements for welfare, health and safety: Excellent
The quality of boarding education: Good
The quality of governance: Excellent
The quality of leadership and management: Excellent
The quality of links with parents: Good
In the Nursery: ‘The provision is outstanding in most aspects’ and ‘Outcomes for all children are excellent and they progress well’
The governors are extremely happy to point out that this excellent report represents an advance of roughly one grade in each of the above categories since the last inspection. There are a number of very pleasing observations in the body of the report:
‘The pupils’ attitude to their work is excellent, they show a real desire to learn. When faced with challenges, they put in an extra effort. In all sections of the school they are articulate and listen attentively to their teachers and to each other’ (paragraph 3.5)
‘Pupils’ attainment … is judged to be high in relation to national age related expectations’ (3.4)
‘The personal development of pupils is outstanding and supported by the high standard of care’ (2.2)
‘They participate enthusiastically, develop the ability to work together and support each others efforts’ (3.3)
‘They are well mannered, respectful of others and tolerant of difference … The result is apparent in their excellent behaviour and social skills’ (4.1)
‘Positive relationships between staff and students are a feature of the community. Pupils say that teachers are fair, show concern for them and listen to their views’ (4.7)
The remainder of the report is extremely positive. There are two suggestions for improvement which we are already addressing. It is interesting to note that the report does not treat us as two schools but one.
We are particularly pleased that the inspectors managed to discern that we produce young people who are hardworking, optimistic and co-operative with a high level of moral and social development. This echoes everything we have long felt about the school, and encapsulates the reasons why parents choose to educate their children at Stoke.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Parker, Head