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Inspection Report & Reviews

School Inspection Report, February 2024

 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)* has 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 the feedback in the detailed comments.  We are delighted that Somerhill met all the standards across the board.

In terms of detailed feedback, it was noted that Somerhill has a ‘broad and well-designed curriculum…regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of all the pupils’ and that ‘the classrooms are a positive learning environment’ with behaviour in lessons described as ‘exemplary’.

Teaching across the school is cited as being ‘of a consistently high standard’; teachers ‘know their pupils’ abilities and needs well’, ‘challenge pupils to think’ and ‘have ambitious aims for pupils’ achievements’ whilst also planning ‘to ensure all are appropriately supported and challenged.’ As a result, Somerhill pupils are described as ‘highly numerate and literate’ and pupils ‘make rapid progress in learning to read independently, and in the Early Years ‘rapidly develop both effective communication skills and emotional awareness.’

In terms of pastoral care, the ISI noted that ‘positive mental health is given high priority’ and ‘the welfare of pupils is given prime importance.’ There is also a ‘positive culture of good behaviour and anti-bullying practice.’ Most pleasingly, Somerhill pupils were particularly cited as being ‘kind’ and ‘understand the importance of treating one another and all in society with respect.’

READ FULL REPORT - FEBRUARY 2024

*ISI is the body responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations that make up the Independent Schools Council. It is approved for the purpose of inspection under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002, and reports to the Department for Education on the extent to which schools meet statutory requirements. 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.

ISI Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection Reports November 2019 ISI Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report for The Schools at Somerhill ISI Inspection Report for Somerhill Pre-Prep & Yardley Court ISI Inspection Report for Derwent Lodge
Reviews

The Good Schools Guide

‘Girls and boys thrive in a single-sex learning environment where they can take risks but eat together at lunchtime and cross paths during the day’

The Good Schools Guide is an independent guide that provides unbiased reviews of the top 1,000 schools in the UK. Each school is selected by merit alone to be included in the guide, and the review is based on interviews with the headteacher, parents and pupils.

Read our Good Schools Guide review

Muddy Stilettos

Muddy Stilettos published an in-depth review of Somerhill for its Best Schools Guide.

Read our Muddy Stilettos review

‘Could it be we have stumbled across the perfect school model?’