"The quality of pupils' achievement and learning is excellent"; "The contribution of curricular and extra-curricular 
provision is excellent"; "Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent"; "The contribution of arrangements for pastoral care is excellent"…
Plymouth College has been awarded a string of 'excellents' in a glowing inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The rigorous integrated inspection covered the senior school, the preparatory school (including Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS) and boarding.
In the main findings the report says: "The school is extremely successful in fulfilling its aim to produce happy and knowledgeable young adults who strive to reach their full potential and gain confidence in their learning." The report goes on to say:
"Pupils are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the school. They enjoy being part of it and feel very well supported by their teachers. They enjoy their studies and their wider involvement in school life. They feel well looked after."
In the section on the quality of pupils' achievement and learning, inspectors said that senior school pupils "often show considerable enjoyment during lessons, reflected in their willingness to participate and co-operate with each other" while the prep school has "enthusiastic and confident learners, who engage very well in class and clearly enjoy their learning."
They went on to say that "in the EYFS, children of all abilities make excellent progress overall in relation to their individual starting points."
The curricular and extra-curricular provision also came in for some high praise. Referring to the prep school the inspectors observed that "the cross-curricular links are strongly reinforced, helping pupils to think imaginatively and develop an active sense of enquiry" and in the EYFS "setting makes excellent provision in meeting the needs of the range of children across all seven areas of learning." At the senior school inspectors noted that the extra-curricular provision "is excellent, with some outstanding features. The school encourages all pupils to take part in an exceptionally wide selection of activities."
The inspectors said about senior school pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development: "Pupils' spiritual awareness is strongly developed.
They take responsibility for their actions and embrace the challenges they face with determination and good humour." Of the prep school they commented: "One pupil described the school as a joyful place" and referring to the children in the EYFS they said:
"Their self-esteem is nurtured through positive praise strategies, such as stickers and community awards, preparing them exceptionally well for future life challenges."
On pastoral care they observed: "The provision for children's well-being in the EYFS is excellent" and that "the prep school creates a strong sense of community. Relations between pupils and teachers are excellent, and an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect is always evident."
This was also reflected in the inspectors' comments about the senior school: "The school community is happy and caring, as shown in the extremely positive relationships between pupils and staff and amongst the pupils themselves."
The contribution of teaching was classed as 'good' with inspectors saying of the prep school: "Excellent teaching supports the development of confident, independent learners and effectively prepares pupils at each level for the move to the next stage in their education."
Of the EYFS staff they said: "They enthusiastically plan a vibrant breadth of curriculum experiences that provide an excellent balance of adult-directed and child-initiated activities for both the indoor and outdoor environments." Commenting on the senior school the inspectors said:
"Teaching shows a high level of subject knowledge and expertise. Great enthusiasm and energy were shown, for example in a Year 10 art lesson in which pupils were inspired to produce creative work of a high standard."
The quality of the school's boarding provision was also graded 'good'. Inspectors reported that: "Boarders were universally positive about their boarding experience" and that "the positive ethos embraced by all those involved with boarding means that excellent relationships between staff and pupils are a central pillar of boarding."
Of leisure time they observed that "a well-planned programme of events during the evenings and at weekends enables boarders to enjoy positive recreation time.
Boarders also have the opportunity to enjoy unstructured free time." Welfare, Health and Safety; Governance; and Leadership and Management were also deemed 'good'.
Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton is delighted with the report. "To be graded as excellent or good in all areas is fantastic news," said Dr Wormleighton.
"Every member of our community – pupils, staff and parents – plays a part in making this a great school and it is very rewarding to see this reflected in the report.
This has given us the spur to develop and improve further all that we offer so as to provide the very best education possible for our present and future pupils."
Preparatory School Headmaster, Chris Gatherer, said: "I am delighted that the report reflects the excitement of life at the Prep School.
It highlights an all-round excellence of education, which gives our pupils the best possible start in life. We strive to provide the right mix of aspiration and a well-balanced lifestyle so our children will continue to thrive throughout the rest of their lives."
ISI is the independent schools' sector equivalent of OFSTED. Inspections take place on a regular cycle. There is no overall judgment but nine areas are assessed and awarded 'excellent', 'good', 'sound' or 'unsatisfactory'. The full inspection report is available at www.plymouthcollege.com