ISI notes 'Significant Strength' of Farleigh School
Published by Farleigh School on Tuesday 6th of May 2025
Following recent inspections by both ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate)* and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, Farleigh is delighted to announce that the outcomes are exceptional.
An ISI inspection no longer includes overall judgements or grades, such as excellent, good or satisfactory, but more nuanced evaluations, with findings given using supporting evidence in five key areas: leadership, management and governance; quality of education, training and recreation; physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; social and economic education and contribution to society; and safeguarding. All of these were met and the quality of what the six-strong inspection team witnessed is expressed in the text of the full report here.
‘Significant strength’ accolade
The new framework for inspection includes an opportunity for inspectors to recognise a ‘significant strength’ of a school. This is something that is subject to specific criteria and “should be apparent to the inspection team as part of their ongoing inspection activity without signposting from school leaders”.
"Last year, only 11.5% of schools achieved this recognition", says Fr Simon, Headmaster, "and I am so pleased that the inspectors unanimously identified Farleigh as having such a significant strength, which can be found in the ‘Summary of inspection findings’ (point 3): “Pupils’ understanding of the dignity of the human person is evident in the way they respect and are demonstrably kind to each other. Their positive behaviour, which strongly reflects the school’s ethos, is a significant strength of the school”.
"For the children’s positive behaviour, kindness and respect towards each other to be picked out for particular praise is especially gratifying, as it exemplifies one of the principal aims of the school. We are delighted that the inspecting team witnessed the exceptional attitude of Farleigh children and I am so grateful to colleagues who work tirelessly to bring out the best in every child in our care."
Farleigh rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate
This inspection comprises overall judgements on four elements of a school’s provision – overall effectiveness; Catholic life and mission; religious education; and collective worship, all of which were deemed to be ‘Outstanding’ at Farleigh. See the full report here.
The inspectors saw that, “the warm Catholic ethos of Farleigh School permeates every area of school life... the ethos of inclusivity is woven into all areas of school life... Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They respect and listen to each other and are demonstrably kind to each other... Pupils can clearly express that they are valued as individuals; they are happy and confident of their place in Farleigh School.”
“Inspections play a vital role and they matter now more than ever before,” adds Jane Vyvyan, Chair of Governors at Farleigh School. "In this challenging environment for independent schools, we are absolutely thrilled with the exceptionally positive conclusions from both ISI and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate. Farleigh is a wonderful school, and to receive this independent, third-party endorsement following two thorough inspections, is a great achievement. The governors are very grateful to Fr Simon for his inspiring leadership and to the entire staff for their hard work and dedication. We are also enormously appreciative of the constant support from Farleigh families, both parents and pupils, who all play such an important part in the life of the school.”
*The ISI is appointed by the Department for Education to inspect ISC association independent schools in England.
