100% EXCELLENT: Inspectors' verdict on a "scholarly and gentle" school, outstanding in every category
King’s College School is celebrating a remarkable "double" this week. Both its senior and junior schools have just received their independent schools’ inspection report and have been judged “excellent” in all 16 possible categories. Such an achievement under the notably demanding ISI regime is thought to be unprecedented. Head Master, Andrew Halls, said: "I’m not aware of any other school that has achieved such a record across two separate reports. To have been judged outstanding in 8 categories is a triumph but for this to be mirrored in both schools is really remarkable."
The two schools each were judged excellent, the top grade available, in every category ranging from pupil achievement, quality of teaching and leadership, to pastoral care, governance and the range and quality of extra-curricular activities.
The two teams of inspectors were impressed by all the girls and boys they met during their five days in the school in the autumn term. Commenting on the senior school, they said that, "high expectations and a strong sense of scholarship prevail, minds are changed, ideas cultivated, opinions shared and knowledge forms deep roots." The pupils impressed them enormously leading them to state that, "the social development of the pupils is exceptional: they are assured, articulate, and thoughtful. Relationships are excellent. Behaviour in class and around the school is also excellent…Outstanding social awareness is promoted by the community service programmes" and "a caring, supportive ethos…permeates school life, fostering a culture in which pupils rapidly gain in self-esteem and self-awareness." In the Junior School, they found that, "the teachers’ knowledge of both their pupils and their subject combine to create a palpable fizz". They also said that "The pupils’ personal development is excellent and their moral development is at a conspicuously high level. They behave around the school with respect and thoughtfulness, which is reflected in their kindness and good manners to others." Headmasters of both schools were pleased that both the boys and their parents commented so favourably on each school. Dr Gerard Silverlock, Headmaster of the Junior School, noted that the inspectors reported that "in the pre-inspection questionnaire a very large majority of pupils express their appreciation of all aspects of their education and agree they enjoy school" and "parents consider behaviour to be excellent and that the school promotes worthwhile attitudes and values."
The two schools are delighted by the judgements not simply on the outstanding academic provision they offer but by the warm comments on pupils, teachers, the relationships between all members of the community and the extraordinary range of opportunities offered by both schools. The judgement that King's fosters a "hunger for learning, supplemented by dedicated and inspiring teaching" with "exemplary pastoral care" is a fitting outcome for this outstanding school.