Heatherton celebrates “significant strength” ISI inspection report

In November 2024, the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) visited Heatherton School for an inspection following their previous visit in 2021. Since our last ‘excellent’ report, the ISI has abolished single word gradings and now focuses on ‘nuanced reporting’ which looks at individual areas of assessment.

Heatherton is very proud that our oracy expectations have been identified in the report as an area of “significant strength”. So far, only about 11% of schools have been identified as having a significant strength. Inspectors noted that:

“Pupils of all ages flourish in their levels of understanding, communication and quality of expression […] The school’s development of pupils’ highly effective use of vocabulary is a significant strength which deepens their understanding across the curriculum.”

We have implemented a focus on oracy across our Schools Group and are delighted that our efforts to increase pupils’ confidence in their speech and communication skills have been recognised. The report further specified that: “Pupils ask insightful questions and engage in purposeful dialogue with their peers and teachers.” This results in more meaningful discussions and classroom engagement which enhances understanding.

Across the five areas of leadership, management and governance; quality of education, training and recreation; physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; social and economic education; and safeguarding, the report found that Heatherton meets the Standards of all sections.

Heatherton’s opportunities for staff research ensures we are constantly developing as a school. Inspectors observed our research-based learning and noted that:

“In the early years, leaders provide regular opportunities for staff to pursue their training interests and reflect on their own practice. This enables leaders to plan effectively for the children’s needs.”

Our quality of education, training and recreation is evident: “By the end of Year 6, pupils typically achieve at or above national age-related expectations in mathematics and English.” The report also highlighted our “well-structured curriculum” in which “pupils acquire new skills and knowledge across a broad range of subjects.”  Our provisions for different educational needs were also noted:

“Leaders review and thoughtfully adapt the curriculum so that teaching methods meet the learning needs of pupils in all year groups. Teachers communicate high expectations for pupils’ learning outcomes. They draw on their in-depth subject knowledge and devise well-planned lessons to motivate pupils and extend their thinking. Pupils, including those in the early years, make good progress as a result.”

Our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing programme was identified as effective and beneficial to pupils. The report highlighted our PSHE programme, emotion guidance, and games lessons as improving pupil wellbeing. Pupils were described as “well behaved, respectful and courteous” as a result of our clear code of conduct and promotion of positive behaviour.

The report further identified that:

“Pupils are well prepared for senior school. The school enables pupils to develop financial awareness and promotes their sense of responsibility to others by enabling them to carry out leadership roles, such as school and eco-councillors. They show consideration for the needs of others and engage actively in the community, both locally and further afield.”

The findings of this report demonstrate that Heatherton is consistently meeting the standards upheld by the ISI in all areas, and we are delighted that this thorough inspection identified our area of significant strength to be oracy. We are committed to maintaining these standards and are continually striving to improve our school in order to nurture pupils’ development into remarkable people.

Read the full report