The academic achievement and personal development of pupils at The Minster School, York, have been judged as ‘excellent’ by independent school inspectors.

The results follow a combined inspection at the independent school, which is part of York Minster, between 28 and 30 January this year, assessing both educational quality and compliance with the Independent Schools Standards (ISS).

It found that both the pupils’ achievement and personal development was ‘excellent’, (the highest possible grading) and that the school has met all eight standards required of it under the ISS.

The report, issued by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), states: “Pupils of all abilities achieve highly across a range of subjects”, with achievements in music, art and French particularly high. Inspectors noted that ‘Pupils of all ages demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a passionate desire to learn’ alongside ‘exemplary attitudes to learning’.

It adds that: “Throughout the school, pupils approach their learning with eagerness and intellectual curiosity. They work with commitment and focus, responding positively to the school’s ethos of striving for excellence.”

The report also references the ‘excellent progress’ pupils make as they transition through the school, with almost half of the final year group consistently gaining music, sport and all-rounder scholarships to their senior schools.

In terms of pupils’ personal development, it says this is strong, ‘nurtured by a community which values personal fulfilment, well-being and happiness, and seeks to promote these outcomes throughout the school.’ Inspectors recognise that: “Throughout the school, pupils feel valued and well-supported by those who look after them.”

It adds that these qualities are developed as a result of strong leadership which has successfully overseen initiatives like the introduction of a ‘spread the happiness’ campaign throughout the school.

Angela Mitchell, Headteacher at The Minster School, said: “We’re delighted with the results of the inspection and so pleased that the many strengths of The Minster School have been recognised in this report.

“As a school we aim to create an environment where pupils develop into well-rounded individuals, both culturally and emotionally, where each individual is able to contribute positively to their community, as well as developing a love of learning.

“The results in the report, particularly around the positive work ethic of our pupils, demonstrate we continue to achieve this aim. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, the committed and supportive parents and School Board as well as our fabulous pupils for making this such a wonderful and successful school to be in.”

The full report is available via the Inspection Reports page.