Inspection Reports
Independent schools are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) approximately every three years. The ISI is the independent school equivalent to Ofsted, reporting to the DfE. The ISI no longer issues an overall assessment of the school as being “Excellent” or “Good” and instead seeks to provide a more qualitative and balanced reflection of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Each of the standards inspected is therefore either met or unmet.
St David’s Prep’s most recent inspection was on 31 January and 1 Feb 2024, during which it met all the standards required. The report states that ‘St David’s Prep is a school which, in accordance with its aim to provide a respectful, safe and inclusive culture, cherishes the individuality of everyone within its diverse community.’
You can read the full report by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page, but here are some of the highlights.
What they said about our school
- The school’s aims and ethos are evident… especially the explicit emphasis which is placed on the wellbeing of everyone involved with the school.
- Leaders place the wellbeing of all at the heart of their school improvement and decision-making processes.
- Leaders provide structured opportunities through which pupils can demonstrate initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to others.
What they said about our pupils
- Children enjoy their education. They behave well and apply themselves intellectually, physically and creatively. They act responsible and are highly motivated.
- Pupils are self-motivated and interested in their work as they apply intellectual, physical and creative effort.
- Pupils’ self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence are all developed effectively.
- Children behave well and empathise well with each other.
- Children were clearly proud of the differences they were making in the lives of others.
What they said about our Early Years
- Teachers of the Early Years classes emphasise the importance of children empathising, co-operating and collaborating with others. They provide a range of experiences, opportunities and choices to the children, who are guided into making appropriate choices and resolving conflicts when they arise.
- Teachers and other staff promote curiosity through the astute use of stimulating classrooms and outdoor areas.
What they said about opportunities
- Children capitalised enthusiastically on the wide range of opportunities made available to them throughout each day.
- Children take great enjoyment from exploring the variety of pursuits which they can follow outside core timetabled lessons to identify and develop their individual interests and passions.
- Pupils show great enthusiasm to participate in optional additional activities such as lacrosse, hockey, tap dance karate, football and netball. They speak passionately about both their enjoyment of sport and their appreciation of the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
What they said about our staff
- Teachers demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught and make skilful use of class time.
- Teaching informed by assessment data, with focused support from teaching assistants when deemed necessary, is successful in enabling pupils to acquire new knowledge and consequently make good progress according to their age and ability.
- Teachers plan lessons to reflect the ability and particular learning needs of all pupils in the class. They manage behaviour well and keep pupils interested.
You can download the full report here:
