ISI Interim Inspection Report

Friday 13th May 2011

One of the most significant events in the second half of last term was the ISI inspection on 21 and 22 March. 

The report is now complete and can be accessed on our website, by clicking on the About Aldwickbury tab then go to the Inspection Report page.   

This was an interim inspection consisting of a two day visit to the school.  Much of the report is based on the regulatory framework and you will see that no overall judgement is given.  The flavour of the report is that Aldwickbury is a very good school with many outstanding features.  I was delighted that our pastoral care and the personal development of the boys were found to be of the highest order.  These, together with the quality of the relationships at Aldwickbury, provide such an important cornerstone of the educational experience on offer.  I was thrilled to see so many references to the impressive qualities that are evident in the boys here at Aldwickbury.

The comments about the quality of our teaching are very encouraging and the areas that we have been working on recently are in evidence.  I am gratified that the inspectors acknowledged the strong subject knowledge of the teachers, effective use of resources and the increasing use of data all help to ensure that the boys make good progress. We will, of course, continue to develop these aspects further.

The management of the school has also come out positively and this reflects well on the hard work and dedication of the whole staff at Aldwickbury.  As part of our commitment to raising standards we will of course be ensuring that the recommendations contained in the report are carefully considered.  There were two regulatory issues identified; both of which have already been rectified as the report acknowledges.  We have noted the other recommendations and will amend our development plans as necessary.

The Senior Management Team feels that if this report contains the extent of the criticisms found by the inspectors then we must be doing pretty well!  Any external review of the school forms an important part of our continuous development and, as such, is valued by the Governors and the staff.  I am delighted that the inspection team were, in their short visit, able to see so much of what makes Aldwickbury special.