Inspection Reports
We couldn’t be prouder of the whole St Edward’s Prep community for the results of our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report. Not only did we fully meet all required standards, but were awarded a Significant Strength for the very heart of what we do; our curriculum.
The report highlights what a special place St Edward’s is and how our approach to education makes a significant contribution to our pupils’ lives, their next steps and their futures, enabling them to achieve beyond what is normally expected for their age. A Significant Strength is reserved for the provision that has a very clear and highly beneficial impact on pupils, and we are delighted for our curriculum to have been highlighted at this level.
Please take a moment to read the highlights below. They reflect the quality and dedication of our staff, the amazing opportunities available to our pupils and the support, care and ambition that run through every level of the school. A link to the full report can be found at the bottom of the page.
Our School & Community
- Teachers develop well-established routines and positive relationships to create purposeful learning environments.
- Across the school, pupils are encouraged to contribute their views, make choices, collaborate and think independently.
- Leaders place an emphasis on supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
- Pupils develop thoughtful responses to issues that affect the school community and wider society and develop an understanding of how they make a positive contribution to their communities.
How We Learn
- Pupils understand what, why and how they learn, confidently applying their knowledge and skills across the curriculum. They demonstrate a deep understanding of their own progress from a very young age and strive to improve.
- Pupils make links in their learning and develop academic skills alongside communication skills and social awareness.
- Leaders plan targeted enrichment pathways to support pupils’ academic, social and emotional needs.
- Leaders systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. This has contributed to improved learning and progress.
- The PE curriculum is well-planned and well-delivered. Leaders are proactive, taking steps to ensure that pupils’ physical health and wellbeing are promoted and actively supported.
Opportunities
- Leaders intentionally design opportunities for pupils to apply, connect and deepen their learning across subjects, ensuring that knowledge remains meaningful and relevant.
- Indoor and outdoor environments are designed to provide rich opportunities for exploration, communication and language development in the Early Years.
- The extra-curricular programme is thoughtfully planned to offer pupils opportunities to develop new interests or hone their talents.
- Pupils have opportunities for reflection and to develop spiritual and moral understanding.
Our Pupils
- Pupils apply the 5Cs routinely in their interactions with adults and peers. They collaborate effectively and show consideration for individual differences.
- Emotional and physical wellbeing is very well supported. They develop respect for all and take increasing responsibility for their actions.
- They take on roles of responsibility across the school with enthusiasm.
- They learn effectively, achieve well in standardised tests and make good progress in their academic and personal skills. They are well-prepared to move on to secondary education.
- They confidently articulate their individual strengths and how they overcome challenges. They understand their needs and know where and how they can get help to succeed.
Our Staff
- Leaders are aspriational in designing and delivering a curriculum that prepares pupils for their future learning and lives. They are reflective and responsive in adapting the curriculum to meet pupils’ needs.
- They promote a respectful, inclusive and purposeful culture across the school.
- Owing to the carefully planned curriculum and skilled delivery, pupils develop secure foundational knowledge, skills and understanding.
- Teachers implement the ‘theme of investigation’ curriculum particularly well.
The Early Years
- Staff use skilled questioning, responsive interactions and purposeful play to build on children’s interests and developmental needs.
- The Early Years’ curriculum is thoughtfully planned to build children’s knowledge, understanding and skills.
- Staff encourage children to be curious, develop independence and build resilience.
- Children are engaged, motivated learners who are well prepared to transition carefully to their next steps.
- Children have opportunities to explore, take risks and develop self-belief.
- Children are well supported in their social development. They quickly settle into routines and are given opportunities to choose their activities and use their imagination.
To see St Edward’s most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection report in full, click the following link:
Independent Schools Inspectorate 2026
Previous Reports:
Independent Schools Inspectorate 2023
