Bredon School is celebrating an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report that has awarded the school the highest possible grades in all categories.
The school has been judged as ‘Excellent’ in both the quality of Pupil Achievement and Pupil Personal Development following the inspection that took place on 25 to 27 September. Inspectors found that “the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent” and that “pupils are performing above, or well above, expectations for their abilities.”
Headteacher Koen Claeys who joined the school in April 2017 said he was delighted with the inspectors’ findings. He comments: “As a small school with a specialism in dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning needs, the report captures very well our distinct approach to teaching and our wonderful supportive atmosphere. The inspectors found that “pupils’ progress and attainment are excellent in relation to their start points” which is exactly our mission at Bredon.
“The inspectors also pay tribute to our committed staff, extensive curriculum, wide-ranging extra-curricular programme and wonderful pastoral care. I was especially pleased that the strength of our community has been recognised, with the inspectors noting that “pupils accept their own and each other’s strengths and weaknesses…creating a strong, caring community” and ”pupils respect for and acceptance of diversity are hallmarks of the school”. This report confirms that what we offer here, both in and outside of the classroom, is very special and of the highest standard.”
The report also highlights the exceptional personal qualities of Bredon’s students. The inspectors found “the quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent” and “pupils exhibit excellent social development and collaborative skills”. The report states that “the development of pupils’ self-confidence is a strong feature of their personal development”.
Bredon is particularly commended for its focus on pupil wellbeing and pastoral care. The report finds that “pupils appreciate strongly the non-material aspects of life expressing this through their excellent art and music, their appreciation of the quiet spaces around school where they can sit and think and the high value they place on their friendships.” In addition, it says that “an emphasis on outdoor education contributes strongly to pupils’ physical and mental health.”
Other key report findings include:
“Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent throughout the school”
“Pupils’ study skills reach a high standard as they progress through the school”
“…excellent attitudes to learning fulfil the school’s aim to instil a strong work ethic in its pupils”
“Pupils not only tolerate but value difference, because they recognise the wide range of personalities, needs and backgrounds within their population…”
“…leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge…and they actively promote the well-being of the pupils.”
“Pupils exhibit excellent social development and collaborative skills”
“The development of pupils’ self-confidence is a strong feature of their personal development”
“…pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem have grown as they have responded to the school’s individualised approach to learning and sensitive pastoral care.”
“The school’s individualised approach and extensive curriculum…ensure that every pupil can make progress and develop confidence and skills for the future.”
In addition to achieving the highest possible grades for Pupil Achievement and Pupil Personal Development, the school was found to be fully compliant with all the ISI statutory standards in the Focused Compliance Inspection.
