Inspection Reports
Prior Park celebrated an outstanding ISI Inspection in November 2011, with seven areas of school life being voted the highest band of Excellent.
Please take the time to read our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate Report.
Prior Park ISI Report read online
Highlights from the report can be seen below:
1. The quality of the pupils’ achievements and their learning, attitudes and skills:
“Throughout the school the pupils’ overall achievement is excellent… They are encouraged to think creatively and benefit from learning through using their thinking skills which enables them to consider and absorb more advanced concepts……The pupils’ creative skills, particularly in art and design, are exceptionally high…Presentation of work is often excellent and shows pride and effort…The pupils show great enthusiasm for learning.”
2. The contribution of curricular and extra-curricular provision:
“The curriculum is of excellent quality…it makes a highly positive contribution to the quality of the pupils’ achievement and personal development…Throughout the school pupils benefit from a full programme of visits and speakers. All enrich and support the curriculum as well as giving pupils memorable experiences which develop their self-confidence and self-knowledge.”
3. The contribution of teaching:
“The overall quality of teaching is good and often excellent…it makes a strong contribution to the pupils’ usually excellent progress and the high standards many achieve…Teaching shows high expectations of pupils and encourages self-belief. Pupils realise this and have a confident ‘I can’ culture.”
4. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils:
“The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. They are happy, motivated and purposeful…Pupils develop outstanding spiritual awareness…The friendly and trusting atmosphere of the school is valued by all…The quality of the pupils’ moral development is excellent from the EYFS upwards. They know right from wrong…The pupils’ social development is outstanding. Pupils develop a strong awareness of social issues through generous charitable giving….The cultural awareness of pupils is excellent…”
5. The contribution of arrangements for welfare, health and safety:
“Excellent pastoral care help the school achieve its aim to provide a happy, positive atmosphere in which each pupil feels safe, secure and valued. The caring, friendly and dedicated staff create a community in which pupils flourish and grow up to be confident and responsible young people…”
6. The quality of boarding education:
“Excellent arrangements for boarding contribute extremely well to the pupils’ personal development. They feel happy and secure...Boarders are encouraged to be independent and feel this makes a strong contribution to their self-confidence and personal development…Overseas boarders comment that boarding is `family, fun and freedom`”.
7. The quality of governance:
“Governance is excellent…The trust has a strong strategic vision for the future development of the school…They have been instrumental in providing excellent accommodation and human and material resources necessary to meet the needs of the curriculum.”
8. The quality of leadership and management:
“Strong new leadership and good management show a clear overview of the school’s priorities…There is a sense of common purpose in knowing and supporting all pupils to achieve fully their academic and personal development….Staff work extremely well together. They are excellent role models.”
9. The quality of links with parents, carers and guardians:
“The school’s links with parents, carers and guardians are excellent…They [parents] praise all aspects of the school’s educational and pastoral provision…The parents’ association gives excellent help to the school.”
10. Effectiveness of Early Years Foundation Stage:
“This outstanding setting fulfils its aim of providing a caring learning environment…It is highly effective in meeting the needs of the children. Outcomes are outstanding. Excellent teaching by class teachers in a nurturing environment ensures that all children achieve high standards in their learning and development…The children’s well-being and safeguarding are of paramount importance to the school….The quality of the provision is outstanding. The classrooms are stimulating…”