Sibford School near Banbury offers ‘a well-planned curriculum that is stimulating and of high quality’ and that enables all pupils ‘from the youngest through to those in the sixth form to make good progress’, according to independent school inspectors.
In a report published by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the school is praised for providing an environment that enables pupils to ‘develop in confidence, self-esteem and tolerance’.
The quality of boarding is described as ‘excellent’ and the effectiveness with which overseas pupils are integrated into the boarding community is highlighted as being ‘particularly strong’.
The contribution of curricular and extra-curricular provision is described as ‘excellent’; and the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is described as ‘excellent.”
The quality of teaching is described as ‘good with many examples that were excellent’ enabling pupils to ‘make good progress in their understanding, in the development of their skills and in the acquisition of new knowledge’.
Michael Goodwin, head of Sibford School, said: “The report is the result of a four day inspection involving eight inspectors and we couldn’t be happier with the findings … especially as they offer praise right across the board.
“As a coeducational 3 – 18 day and boarding school that welcomes students of all abilities from the UK as well as international students, we focus on the development of individual talent, in a diverse community joined together by our Quaker values and ethos.
“This report recognises excellence throughout the whole of the school. The quality of our boarding is described as ‘excellent’; the support we provide for those students with special educational needs or for whom English is not the first language is described as ‘excellent’; and our arrangements for pastoral care are described as ‘excellent’.
“But perhaps the statements that I am most proud of are those that relate to our pupils. According to the report the personal development of Sibford pupils is ‘excellent’, they are praised for demonstrating ‘excellent cultural understanding’ and their behaviour is described as ‘excellent throughout the school.’ As a head teacher I don’t think I could ask for anything more and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our pupils, their parents and our staff for helping to make Sibford School the success it is.”
A full copy of the ISI report on Sibford School can be found on the school website (www.sibfordschool.co.uk) or on the ISI website (www.isi.net).