ISI Report

The Independent Schools Inspectorate is the body responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations that make up the Independent Schools Council. They are approved for the purpose of inspection under the Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations, 2014, and report to the Department for Education on the extent to which schools meet statutory requirements.

Excelling across all 5 areas

In November 2024, Rose Hill School underwent a comprehensive inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, evaluated against the updated Framework 23 criteria. Notably, under this new framework, overall judgments or grades are no longer provided by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI).

The inspection report is structured around 5 areas, wherein inspectors meticulously detail commendations for met standards and provide insightful overviews highlighting areas for improvement where standards are not yet met. It brings us great joy to announce that Rose Hill School has excelled across all 5 areas, achieving a commendable “met” status in each.

ISI Inspection Report Summary, November 2024 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) introduced a new framework for inspections in 2023 as part of which they no longer provide a formal overall classification of e.g. excellent/good/satisfactory etc. for a school as they did in the past. The report now advises on whether the ISI Standards are met with all feedback provided in the detailed comments.

We are delighted that Rose Hill School met all the required standards of the November 2024 ISI inspection, with the addition that the inspectors recognised that ‘pupils become well-informed, independent thinkers who work effectively with others and on their own’ and ‘pupils make good progress from their starting points.’

Our Compass Curriculum was highly regarded with the inspectors noting ‘the curriculum enables pupils to make good progress in developing their communication skills. Pupils write with ambition and … communicate effectively.’

You will be aware that the School introduced project work in 2020, and this develops the pupils’ skillset as they move up through the School. The inspectors noted that, ‘by Year 8 pupils attain externally moderated project qualifications with many achieving considerable success with high levels awards. The gradual building of identified research skills through the curriculum both supports the eventual achievement and success and ensures pupils leave school with skills relevant to support their future learning.’

Early years at Rose Hill School was identified as a stage where ‘children quickly develop their reading and writing skills through effective teaching of phonics’ and ‘are well prepared for the next stage of their education.’

The inspectors state that ‘pupils behave well’, and ‘are respectful of adults and each other’ with ‘understanding of respect and tolerance. Pupils are taught to challenge prejudice, bias and discrimination.’ In addition, ‘pupils learn from a young age the importance of contributing to society’ and ‘pupils develop effective understanding of their own skills and interests, their strengths and areas for development’.

One example that the inspection team gave was the Rose Hill School diploma, for the pupils in Year 6 to 8, where ‘pupils are encouraged to develop a wide variety of life skills which help them to develop their independence.’

Most pleasingly, the inspectors describe the school leaders as promoting ‘pupils’ wellbeing through the school’s caring ethos, clearly stated values and the school’s curriculum’.

What is the ISI?

ISI inspection is for the benefit of pupils and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education, and of the care for their welfare.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations.  ISI inspections are also carried out under arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of their membership.

The inspection report is structured around 5 areas, wherein inspectors meticulously detail commendations for met standards and provide insightful overviews highlighting areas for improvement where standards are not yet met.

The ISI website gives more information on the different types of Inspection.