Mount St Mary’s College in Derbyshire has received a glowing Independent School’s Council report, with many areas rated as ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’.
The pupils’ performance at GCSE and A-level and their achievements were noted as ‘impressive’ and ‘outstanding’ in many cases, along with provisions for student personal development and range of extracurricular activities.
The report also praised the school’s ethos to develop each student intellectually, artistically and physically, according to the individual needs and abilities of the pupil, through the ‘flexibility within the broad and balanced curriculum.’
Laurence McKell, Headmaster at Mount St Mary’s, said: ‘The report is a testament to the dedication of the staff to develop an environment which provides an excellent standard of education, where pupils are encouraged to grow into individuals, supported throughout their time at the Mount.
‘We are delighted that the report praised our ethos of developing pupils not just academically, but spiritually, physically and emotionally, through a range of extracurricular activities, allowing every pupil choice and opportunity to flourish leaving school ready to face whatever challenges that lie ahead.’
The ‘good quality teaching’ pupils receive at the College was also highlighted as significantly contributing to the ‘good standards’ of exam results achieved.
The College, which has 428 pupils from ages 11 to 18 years, was also praised for the continuous support and development of pupils, allowing them to grow into responsible individuals who hold an ‘excellent approach to moral issues’ with a mature outlook in discussions and debates.
The inspection recognised the ‘excellent pastoral care’ the College provides, which the pupils ‘benefit from greatly’, contributing to the ‘excellent relationships that exist in the school’ between the students and teachers.
It was also noted that pupils who board at the College are provided with a place that makes them feel ‘safe and secure’ and one which boarders express ‘satisfaction and enthusiasm’ for.
An inspection occurs every three years and has two formats, interim and standard, which usually occur in an alternating pattern, the current one for Mount St Mary's being an interim inspection. It consists of a two-day visit focusing on standards of education, pupil development, curriculum, pupil welfare and accommodation. Inspectors observed lessons, extracurricular activities and assembles, whilst conducting formal interviews with both pupils and staff.