Inspection reports

‘Excellent’ Inspection Report

JUDGED ‘EXCELLENT’, THE MINSTER SCHOOL YORK ACES 2020 ISI REPORT

The Minster School is inspected by The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Academic achievement and personal development, of The Minster School York’s pupils, has been graded ‘excellent’ – the highest possible award – by the independent school inspectorate (ISI). The ISI report 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”.

The results follow a combined inspection at the independent school, 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’, and that the school has met all eight standards required of it under the ISS. 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 York, said:

“We’re delighted to be awarded ‘Excellent’ across the board and thrilled that the many strengths of The Minster School York have been recognised. As a school we create an environment where pupils develop into well-rounded individuals, both culturally and emotionally, where every individual is able to contribute positively to their community and develop a love of learning. The report’s findings – particularly around the positive work ethic of our pupils – make us so proud. I thank the staff for their unceasing hard work, our supportive parents and our committed School Board. Most importantly, it is our fabulous pupils who make this such a wonderful and successful school.”

What is The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)?

The Minster School York is inspected by The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) which is a government approved independent inspectorate for independent schools, quality assured on behalf of the Department for Education. This remit extends to independent schools which are full members of the associations which form the Independent Schools Council (association independent schools). The ISI is a Home Office approved provider of ‘educational oversight’ for private further education colleges (PFE colleges) in England, which are or apply to become a Tier 4 sponsor.

ISI Report 2020

ISI Report 2019