Inspectors Report
Letter from the Head to parents following the recent Inspection
ISI INSPECTION REPORT
Quality of Pupils’ Achievements – Excellent
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – Excellent
Quality of Nursery Provision – Outstanding
Amidst all the bustle of external examinations, residential visits and summer activities, the school year is drawing to a close with a buzz of excitement from the many achievements of recent weeks. In particular I should like to draw to your attention the publication on the school’s website of the ISI report on the recent inspection of our preparatory and senior schools and the Garden House Day Nursery.
We work hard to maximise individual potential within the good quality educational experience of our school and it is rewarding to read that the inspectors have observed this in action. It is a wonderful accolade that in every area we have achieved the highest possible commendations of Excellent, Outstanding and Good. I was delighted with the glowing assessment which rated the pupils’ overall achievements as excellent and the recognition that pupils’ personal development was excellent and a real strength of every department.
The inspectors recognised that high achievements are fostered by a challenging and varied curriculum throughout the school and were very impressed with the pupils’ recent performance at A Level and GCSE which is above national averages for girls in maintained and selective schools and continues to improve. Inspectors reported that our pupils are ‘excellent learners’ who communicate effectively, think logically and respect the views of others. In the words of the inspectors, the pupils at Alton Convent School achieve very high standards and make excellent progress.
Early Years’ provision in the Garden House Day Nursery attracted particular accolades offering an ‘outstanding quality of provision’ with ‘outstanding leadership and management’ and ‘highly personalised planning for babies and toddlers’. Nursery staff displayed a ‘thorough knowledge of the children’s learning and developmental needs’ and ‘worked as a committed team to achieve high standards’.
I am very pleased that the school and EYFS provision meets all legal and regulatory requirements. Proposals for further improvement have already been acted upon.
A new and more rigorous system for monitoring key policies and procedures has been adopted by governors. Integrated management and planning for all EYFS provision has been introduced in line with inspectors’ recommendation and curriculum initiatives have been included within the School Development Plan to provide appropriate opportunities for independent learning and the use of ICT by pupils.
It is always a relief when an inspection report confirms much of what I believe to be the essentials of our school. Inspectors recognised that our high standards in achievement, personal development, and creative and sporting endeavour are strongly fostered by good quality teaching, excellent monitoring, supportive parents and successful leadership and management which allow all our pupils to be sustained in their efforts to ‘be the best that they can be’ in a friendly environment and in accordance with our aims and Catholic ethos.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Sue Kirkham
Headmistress
Note on the ISI inspection system:
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) arranges and carries out an inspection of any school which is accredited by the Independent Schools Council (ISC).
The ISI inspects schools according to a standard framework for inspection which it has laid down for the purposes of ensuring that standards are maintained and that the school complies with relevant legal requirements. This framework has been agreed with DCSF and they have recognised the ISI as the body responsible for the regular inspection of schools in England which are affiliated to the ISC.