We are delighted to attach a copy of the report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following the latest Standard Inspection of The Mount School that took place from January 18th to 19th and February 16th to 18th 2011.

You will find that the report contains a great deal of positive comments about The Mount School.

Ms. Cozens, head teacher, commented that ‘SMT and I have been working very hard over the past two years to move the school forward, and we have achieved a great deal’. This was verified by the inspectors who said that ‘under the head teacher’s strong leadership, there is a clear educational direction prioritising the aim of ensuring that all pupils achieve their full academic potential while maintaining the warm pastoral care that characterises the school.’

We have always been proud of our educational achievements and the inspection recognised that ‘The Mount School provides a good quality of education for pupils, in line with its aims.’ They also saw that ‘pupils respect and like their teachers. They trust them and feel confident that they can turn to them for help with their work or with personal concerns.’

The girls’ academic success stems not only from their understanding but from hard work. The inspectors noted that teachers ‘maintain good classroom control with a light touch. They create an atmosphere in which pupils know that they are expected to work hard and do so.’ Also that pupils are ‘well behaved, settle to work quickly, waste little time and take notes assiduously.’

Our juniors are no exception as inspectors saw our ‘broad range of activities that foster independence and a love of learning in a happy and safe environment. Junior School girls achieve well and make good progress.’

The inspectors could see the huge support we give to those girls joining us from overseas remarking that ‘the ESOL department is a particular strength of the school. The very good support it provides enables pupils with EAL to access the mainstream curriculum quickly.’

If you have ever had the pleasure to meet our girls you will know their behaviour speaks for itself. The inspectors observed this, commenting that ‘throughout the school the girls are courteous, cheerful and open in their dealings with adults and each other. Pupils are courteous and helpful to visitors. Pupils are socially adept, relaxed and articulate in conversation. Those with responsibilities discharge these sensibly.’

The ‘real sense of community’ we are so proud of was strongly appreciated with many comments such as ‘there is a marked sense of a harmonious, happy school community’, the girls’ ‘enjoy and value others’ company; many girls spontaneously described the school community as ‘like a big family’ where each member cares for the others.’ New girls relayed their findings on joining the school telling the inspectors ‘‘how swiftly they came to feel a part of the school.’

Our pastoral care remains as strong as ever with inspectors identifying that, ‘the pastoral care given by the school is a strength; teachers know their pupils well and relationships throughout the school are warm, friendly and relaxed. The care given to pupils with specific physical needs is exemplary. The school’s pastoral structures are strong, ensuring that all pupils are safeguarded and cared for as individuals and know they can turn to their teachers for help.’

When girls leave us, we want them to leave with a thirst for life and the confidence they can achieve their ambitions. We were delighted the inspectors acknowledged that ‘pupils develop a strong sense of self-belief’’ and leave us as ‘articulate, assured young women.’

If you want to read more please see the pdf document attached.

The January / February 2011 inspection of The Mount School was an ISI Standard Inspection. Part 1 of the inspection (January 18-19) was an initial visit to establish the school’s compliance with Regulations.  Part 2 of the inspection (February 16-18) focused primarily on teaching and learning. 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is a body approved for the purpose of inspection under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002. As such, they report to the Department for Education on the extent to which schools meet statutory requirements. ISI is the agency responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations of the Independent Schools Council. Before inspections take place, parents and pupils have the opportunity to complete a confidential questionnaire. Inspectors meet staff and pupils during the inspection, in lessons and formal interviews as well as informally as they go about the school, e.g. at break times or during lunch.