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St Andrew’s Prep judged ‘Excellent’ across the board by ISI Inspectorate

We are delighted to report that St Andrew’s Prep has met all standards in its recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Regulatory Compliance Inspection and achieved the top grading of ‘Excellent’ in the two key outcomes in the ISI Educational Quality Inspection.

The rigorous four-day inspection included interviews with pupils and staff, lesson observations, parent, pupil and staff questionnaires, an examination of pupils’ work and a scrutiny of all policies to enable the inspectors to assess the school’s compliance as well as the educational quality in all areas of school life. In particular, the inspection focused on the outcomes of pupils in terms of their personal development as well as their academic and other achievements. 

Gareth Jones, Headmaster said, “I’m absolutely delighted with this news and I am so pleased that the inspectors saw in their short visit what I see every single day: pupils and staff working hard, side by side, inspiring each other to be the best that they can be.  Academically, we have high expectations for all our children of all ability levels and the acknowledgement in the report of the pupils’ outstanding attitude to learning and willingness to take responsibility is so satisfying. We also strive to offer a rich, broad and balanced curriculum in and out of the classroom and this report encapsulates all that we offer, and all that the pupils achieve, beautifully.”

Tom Gregory, who will take up the role as Headmaster in September said, “What fantastic news for the school and congratulations to Gareth and his staff for all their hard work. The school is in great shape and my role now, as incoming Headmaster, will be to ensure that we continue to be forward-thinking and implement any enhancements to our educational provision. We will always endeavour to build on these high standards.”

Inspection quotes


On overall achievements           
‘Pupils’ attainment is outstanding. Pupils, including EYFS children, make excellent progress overall.’ 

On teaching and learning          
‘Pupils’ attitudes towards learning and achievement are outstanding; these attitudes owe much to teaching that is often highly enthusiastic and staff who speak to pupils in a way that shows they value the pupils’ ideas and achievements.’

On sport and extra-curricular   
‘Children are able to experience a variety of challenges via a ‘sport for all’ policy gained through House competitions in all the major sports as well as athletics, cross-country and swimming, public performances (i.e. display, dance or gymnastics) or individual activities with self-challenging aims; such as golf, shooting or outdoor pursuits.’

On boarding                            
‘Boarders consider that their social skills have developed as a result of working together frequently both in and out of the classroom, including weekend boarding trips, team-building events and dormitory competitions.’

On pupil wellbeing                   
‘Pupils demonstrate strong self-awareness in very thoughtful and detailed self-reflection about their own progress, strengths and areas for development.’

St Andrew’s Prep is part of the same charity as Eastbourne College who also achieved the best possible rating for quality of education in its latest inspection report, ranking as excellent for pupils’ academic and other achievements as well as their personal development.

READ FULL INSPECTION REPORT HERE