St Winifred's School Inspection

( click here to download a summary of the Inspection Report as pdf )

In November 2003 the school was inspected by  the Independent Schools Inspectorate as part of our application for membership of the Independent Schools Association (ISA).  We shall know later on this Spring whether we have been accredited for full membership of ISA.

The Main Inspection Report will be available on the Independent Schools' Inspectorate Website some time in the future www.isinspect.org.uk but in the meantime a copy of the full report can be purchased from the school office and the official summary can be downloaded above.

The Report highlights the main school's strengths. The inspectors also praised many other features of the school. These are described in more detail in the different sections of the report. There are also a number of aspects that the school can improve and the school will respond to the recommendations given by the Inspector.

The regulation which drew attention to the availability of drinking water everywhere, has now been addressed. New plumbing has been installed in one part of the school where there was not drinking water so drinking water is now available throughout the school.

Management issues and staff development opportunities will be investigated as recommended. New staff are now checked for identity, qualifications and medical fitness.

Library use has been extended and there are plans to provide a Resource Centre which will be utilised throughout the curriculum for subject teaching using and enhancing the pupils' computer and research skills and developing the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) as a tool for learning.

The pupils will continue to have their ICT lessons each week covering the computer skills they need to learn and some of their cross curricula work. These will continue to take place in the existing ICT Room.

Subject lessons using ICT will take place in the Resource Centre. The plan is to install a computer network in the Library to produce this Resource Centre. There will be enough computers for a whole class and appropriate software to extend learning across the curriculum subjects, It is hoped that the network will be in place by September 2004.

It is felt that the report clearly demonstrates the school's image and philosophies. The staff feel valued and there are many assurances that the pupils are achieving well and are cared for appropriately.

The inspection process has proved to be a very positive experience and has encouraged us all to look ahead to the future with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.

J Collins

Headmistress

1st March 2004