October 2024
In October 2024, Gad’s Hill School was inspected by the Independent School Inspectorate.
This was a Routine Inspection, and our first under the new ISI framework of 2023.
This was a three-day inspection scrutinising our adherence to independent school regulatory standards governing: the quality of education provided; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; their welfare, health and safety; the suitability of staff and proprietors; the school premises; provision of information; the manner in which complaints are handled, and; the quality of leadership in and management of the school. To inform their decisions, the visiting team observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with pupils and examined samples of their work. They held discussions with members of staff and with Governors, observed a sample of extra-curricular activities and attended assemblies. Inspectors visited the Nursery, as well as our Inclusion department. The responses of parents, staff and pupils in the pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed and the inspectors examined curriculum and other documentation.
We are very pleased to say that the ISI have indeed found that we meet all the standards, including the requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Inspectors saw a lot of the aspects of Gad’s Hill which make us such a special setting, including our varied and engaging curriculum, knowledgeable teachers who have high expectations of pupils’ learning and achievement, and the way that leaders model and communicate their valuing of individual pupils’ identities and achievements, contributing to a community that accepts and appreciates each other’s diversity. There are several references to the role that the Combined Cadet Force plays in school life, helping develop leadership skills, teamwork and problem-solving skills, and also significant praise for our Early Years programme. Work is ongoing to address the small number of ‘next steps’ identified to improve our provision further.
A copy of the inspection report is available below.
Inspectors were very grateful to the significant number of parents who took the time to complete the questionnaire.