‘The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent’ as is the personal development of pupils, supported by ‘extremely high levels of pastoral care’, according to an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report on Stonar published this week.
The inspection took place in early March, following the standard five-day notice period. Inspectors observed every aspect of school life including lessons, assemblies, tutorial sessions, boarding and extra-curricular activities. They also conducted formal interviews with pupils and met senior members of staff and the Chair of Governors.
The report praises the ‘confident and articulate’ pupils’ attitudes to learning, the excellent quality of the curriculum, the exceptional standards pupils achieve in extra-curricular activities and the excellent relationships between staff and pupils which encourage mutual respect amongst the pupils, high standards of behaviour and contribute to Stonar’s strong family atmosphere. From pre-inspection questionnaires, parents are highly supportive and consider that the school fosters strong links with the parent body.
“It is clear from the report that Stonar offers children a superb educational experience throughout the school,” said Head, Elizabeth Thomas. “Our pupils’ achievements and personal development, from the Early Years through to Sixth Form are outstanding and I am delighted that the report reflects this.”
The report also emphasised a number of strengths including the excellence of provision at Stonar for any pupil who requires additional learning support and the fact that those receiving it achieve good standards in relation to their ability. It also recognises that throughout the school, academic experiences are ‘greatly enhanced by many enriching visits in England and abroad’. Pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage were judged to make ‘rapid progress,’ and the inspection also found that ‘boarders’ personal development is strongly promoted’ as demonstrated in their ‘increased confidence, self-reliance, integrity and tolerance’.
“As with any inspection, there are points that require action; the main one being a regulatory issue referred to which inspectors make clear happened in the past and had already been addressed with new personnel and systems in place to ensure absolute compliance,” said Mrs Thomas, “but it was pleasing to see how very impressed the inspection team were with our pupils,” referring to the report’s conclusion that, “by the time they leave the school, pupils demonstrate an extremely high level of personal development. They are mature, knowledgeable, independent and compassionate citizens, ready to contribute to society as a whole, and particularly to their universities, colleges and workplaces in the future.”
The ISI carries out the inspection of any school which wishes to be accredited by the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The ISI also inspects every school whose Head is already a member of one of these associations. The inspections are conducted according to a standard framework for inspection 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 the DCSF who have recognised the ISI as the body responsible for the regular inspection of schools in England which are affiliated to the ISC.