Inspection & Reviews

Recognised for exceptional standards by ISI, Good Schools Guide and Muddy Stilettos.

At Aldwickbury, we are proud of the consistent, high standards recognised by leading educational bodies and independent reviewers. Our inspections and reviews reflect our commitment to academic excellence, personal development and a warm, nurturing community. 

Our most recent ISI inspection took place in June 2025, covering all aspects of school life, including our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and boarding provision. Aldwickbury received a strong inspection report and met all five key areas of the ISI inspection criteria. 

In 2023, ISI introduced a new inspection framework which is substantially different to the previous model. Under the new framework, ISI no longer make judgements on the previous four-point scale (Excellent, Good, Sound and Unsatisfactory). Instead, schools receive ‘met’ or ‘not met’ against five key areas. 

We are immensely proud of the inspection report and continue to build on these strengths every day. 

“The secure foundation of knowledge and skills established in the early years is effectively built upon as pupils progress through the school. Teachers across the school demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge and employ specific vocabulary skilfully to engage pupils. They set ambitious learning objectives, thereby challenging, extending, and supporting pupils. Pupils’ enthusiasm and thirst for learning stems from staff who are trusted and respected role models inspiring the pupils and increasing their passion for learning.”

ISI Report 2025

We were delighted to welcome a reviewer from The Good Schools Guide, the UK’s leading independent school guide. Their visit and report offered a valuable and independent view of everyday life at Aldwickbury. 

“With its winning combination of nurture, creativity and robust daily activity, we anticipate that local parents will see with fresh eyes the allure of this local gem.”

We’re proud of this recognition and continue to offer a warm, forward-thinking environment where pupils are supported, challenged and inspired to thrive.  

Muddy Stilettos is a leading lifestyle and schools review platform, trusted by thousands of parents for its honest, insightful guides to the best independent schools across the UK.  

In their review of Aldwickbury, Muddy Stilettos highlighted both the school’s academic ambition and its nurturing ethos: 

“This boys’ Pre-Prep and Prep won the prestigious Independent Boys’ School of the Year in 2024 and teaches kindness and humility alongside a curriculum that propels boys into happy and successful futures.”

They also spotlighted Aldwickbury’s exciting next step in our transition to co-education, welcoming girls into our Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) from September 2025.  

Confidence to pursue the greatness he has discovered

“We firmly believe that all pupils should leave a school having fulfilled their potential, equipped with strong values and a love of learning, and ready for the next stage of their journey. Thanks to Aldwickbury, our son does exactly that. He leaves with happy memories, lasting friendships, a strong foundation for the future, and with the confidence to pursue the greatness he has discovered here.”

Current Parent

The very best decision

“Choosing Aldwickbury was, without question, the very best decision we could have made for our son, and we are immensely grateful for all that the school has done to help shape him into the confident, capable young person he is today.”

Current Parent

My children are free to find their greatness

“My children are free to find their greatness at Aldwickbury through the nurturing and supportive teachers, the wide and varied curriculum and extra curricular activities, and the access to fantastic facilities.  My son and daughter each have very different personalities, but they have both thrived at Aldwickbury for different reasons. We are delighted that we made the decision to enrol them at this wonderful school.”

Current Parent

Teachers have been wonderful

“The teachers have been wonderful for us, the facilities are second to none, and the entire show is expertly led by Mr Symes and his team.”

Parent feedback from RSAcademics survey

Harmonious and positive school environment

“Leaders guide by example, inspiring the staff and pupils to give of their best to support a harmonious and positive school environment.”

ISI Report 2025

The headmaster is simply wonderful

“The headmaster is simply wonderful, he has a great relationship with pupils and parents alike and I completely trust him with my son’s education.”

Parent feedback from RSAcademics survey