Crosfields School has enjoyed a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in its latest inspection, and is delighted to share the highlights.
The Department for Education directs ISI to conduct routine inspections of schools typically every three years. A new framework was introduced in September 2024, which judges schools as meeting or not meeting set criteria with schools no longer graded as ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and so on.
The Reading independent school was most recently inspected by the ISI in March 2024 and was judged as meeting all statutory Independent School Standards in each of the five sections.
The report praised the ‘whole-school approach to all aspects of school life’, which builds ‘a sense of community with shared understanding and respect between pupils of different ages.’
With regard to leadership, management and governance, ISI commended the promotion of wellbeing, including a full-time mental health practitioner and the use of Forest School to bring the benefits of outdoor lessons to staff and pupils. It states: “Leaders have fostered an inclusive educational environment where pupil welfare is paramount. Pupils respond positively to this provision and appear happy and confident.”
The report also praised the effective links between Early Years, Juniors and Seniors in terms of the quality of education, training and recreation: “Teachers and support staff meet regularly to discuss individual pupils and the progress of cohorts to ensure that progress between transition stages is smooth,” the report states, as well as commending the ‘wide range activities for pupils to pursue during leisure time’.
“The strong relationships and mutual understanding between pupils and staff promote openness; pupils value this supportive approach,” the report adds. “The school has a diverse community and pupils respect people from all backgrounds. Pupils’ positive and empathetic interactions between one another exemplify their acceptance of individual differences.”
In terms of pupils’ contribution to society, the report praises the school’s aim of providing ‘an atmosphere in which respect for other people and the world is cultivated’, with teachers ‘skillfully managing pupil discussions around tolerance, immigration and political propaganda.’
“Whole school debates on topical issues ensure that pupils learn to listen carefully and respectfully to viewpoints which may differ from their own,” it says. “These democratic systems provide fundamental British values and encourage mutual respect by allowing pupils to propose and defend their ideas, whilst remaining open to the counterarguments of others.”
The report also praised the safeguarding measures put in place: “Pupils know how to stay safe online… When online concerns are raised, pupils have a clear understanding of who they can talk to,” it says. “The school is thorough and precautionary in sharing information with the local authority… Leaders are reflective and clear on areas for development and are proactive in ensuring the wellbeing of pupils.”
The full report can be found at www.crosfields.com/explore/inspection-reports
