'Excellent' Inspection Results for Northwood College

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 23rd of March 2012

'Excellent' is the word that leaps from every page of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report following a highly successful inspection at Northwood College at the end of February 2012.

The ISI makes judgements about schools using four grades (Excellent, Good, Sound, Unsatisfactory). The quality of the education provided by Northwood College is deemed to be 'excellent in all aspects'. This includes the quality of pupils' achievements and learning; the contribution of curricular and extra-curricular provision; the quality of teaching; the moral, spiritual, social and cultural development of pupils; pastoral care; welfare, health and safety; the quality of governance; the quality of leadership and management, including links with parents, carers and guardians.

Inspectors made the following comments about the school, which is attended by girls aged 3 to 18 years of age.

'The overall quality of the pupils' achievements and learning is excellent. At every stage, the overall standard of literacy, numeracy, articulacy, logical thought, creativity and of proficiency in information and communication technology is high.'

'The quality of the pupils' personal development is outstanding, with its highly effective emphasis on their welfare, safeguarding and well-being. The caring and supportive example set by the staff is mirrored in the way pupils behave towards one another.'

'The contribution of the curricular and extra-curricular provision is excellent. The excellent academic curriculum consists of a broad core of subjects throughout the junior and senior schools. Running alongside the academic subjects throughout the school is a well-planned strategy to develop thinking skills, which is a valued and effective feature of the school's academic provision.'

'The contribution of arrangements for pastoral care is excellent. In accordance with the school's stated aims, this happy, considerate community supports its pupils through comprehensive pastoral structures, produced collaboratively and universally supported.'

Jacqualyn Pain, Head Mistress of Northwood College said: 'The report is absolutely outstanding and it praises all that we do at Northwood College. It is very rare for a school to be judged 'excellent' in every single category and we are therefore very pleased, although not surprised, at the content of the report. It is a tribute to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of all those associated with the College. This is an inspection report of which we can all be rightly proud'.

Geoff Hudson, Chair of the Governing Council said: 'This is a wonderful report that reflects the ethos, success and achievements of the school. The quality of education, the happiness and achievements of the girls and our inspirational, innovative and dedicated staff have all been recognised and have received the highest possible accolade from the inspectors.'