Following a recent inspection Aldwickbury School has received the highest grade of Excellent for both Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) quality categories – ‘pupils’ academic and other achievements’ and ‘pupils’ personal development’.
The ISI inspection took place between the 17th and 20th May 2022 and involved a team of inspectors spending four days at Aldwickbury observing lessons, speaking to pupils, surveying parents and staff and reviewing the school’s curriculum and facilities.
The quality of pupils’ academic achievements was graded excellent with the report describing Aldwickbury pupils as showing, ‘excellent knowledge, understanding and skills … demonstrated across all areas of learning in the school, supported by a broad curriculum, which allows pupils to satisfy a clear thirst for knowledge.’ This section of the report very much highlighted the wonderful work of the teachers in instilling curiosity and passion for learning in the classroom. Pupils’ competence in numeracy, ICT, study skills, achievements in the wider school, attitudes to learning, spoken and written communication skills were also considered excellent with supporting evidence documented in the report.
The second quality category concerned the personal development of Aldwickbury pupils. This was also deemed excellent with the inspectors commenting favourably that ‘Pupils’ development of their self-knowledge, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline and resilience is excellent. Gentle and generous to each other, the pupils show high levels of self-understanding and confidence in the support they receive from staff. Pupils respond positively in this caring environment.’
Inspectors observed that the ‘pupils have strong moral awareness and a clear sense of right and wrong’ and their ‘respect for diversity and cultural understanding’ was considered excellent, with pupils having ‘a strong understanding of a variety of cultures, within the school and beyond.’
Aldwickbury pupils were also praised for their ‘appreciation of the non-material aspects of life. In conversations with inspectors, pupils were able to convey their desire to be kind, friendly, generous, and charitable to each other and the wider world, in line with the school’s core values.’
Commenting on the ISI Report Paul Symes, Headmaster said “We’re delighted with the outcome of this recent inspection. The results were overwhelmingly positive and a fantastic foundation for us to continue to progress. I am extremely proud of all members of the Aldwickbury team for providing such an amazing platform for the boys to excel. The inspectors were extremely complimentary of the boys and their achievements. One statement that left me feeling incredibly proud was as follows, ‘Attitudes to learning are excellent throughout the school. The pupils feel challenged in a safe and secure environment with the knowledge that getting things wrong or asking questions to get support is perfectly acceptable. They understand that making mistakes helps you improve and develop future performance’.”
He concluded: “A school where boys are happy and can be themselves is imperative and it’s extremely reassuring to have independent confirmation of how happy and safe the boys feel at Aldwickbury.”
To view the full report please visit our Inspection Reports page.
