Inspectors give Oakham top marks!

Published by Oakham School on Monday 9th of December 2013

Oakham School is basking in the after-glow of a superb inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

All aspects of education at Oakham; including teaching and learning, pastoral care and the wide range of opportunities on offer, have been highly praised in the report that came out this week.

The inspectors were particularly impressed with Oakham's pupils, as they 'show very high levels of confidence and behaviour' and their 'achievements and learning are excellent'. It was also noted that pupils 'feel encouraged and supported by their teachers and appreciate the individual support provided regularly out of lessons.'

'It is a report that everyone at Oakham should be incredibly proud of,' says Headmaster Nigel Lashbrook. 'I'm particularly pleased that our key strengths have been praised. This includes our 'supportive learning environment', our 'excellent curriculum that stimulates development of all facets' of our pupils' potential, our 'excellent' pastoral care, and our 'outstanding' co-curricular programme.'

A team of 16 inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate had visited Oakham in September to undertake the rigorous four-day review. The inspection (which is equivalent to an Ofsted inspection in the maintained sector) looked at all aspects of the educational provision of the school including our compliance with the Independent Schools' Regulations and the National Standards for Boarding.

The inspectors acknowledged that Oakham offers a 'holistic education' through its 'excellent' curricular and extra curricular provision. It also said that 'work in art and design is exceptional', that 'pupils demonstrate high level creative and performing skills in both drama and music' and that 'the level of attainment in sports is excellent.'

'For the inspectors to recognise and praise our commitment to developing the way our students think and learn is most heartening,' says Nigel Lashbrook. 'We are committed to looking closely at how we can continue to embed the Learning Habits at Oakham and further develop the strong, independent minds of Oakhamians to prepare them for the ever more challenging world in which they will live their lives.'

The inspectors saw first-hand how Oakham's 'pastoral provision is generous in scope and of a high quality'. They also noted the 'high quality of relationships between the staff and pupils', and how staff 'go beyond the boundaries of job descriptions to support the boarders in their care.'

The Headmaster concludes that 'it was particularly pleasing to hear that we are judged to be a school that has made significant progress since the previous inspection. I'm looking forward to working with Trustees, teachers and staff to build on this success and to further enhance the opportunities and learning experiences for all Oakhamians'.