Elmhurst Continues to Excel

Friday April 1^st 2022

We are thrilled to retain our seal of approval from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following a four-day focused compliance and educational quality inspection in February 2022.

ISI is appointed by the Department for Education to inspect independent schools in England as well as British schools overseas, and by the Home Office to inspect private further education colleges and language schools. The inspections report to the Department for Education on the extent to which the statutory Independent School Standards are met and recognises strong practice to drive improvement across the inspected schools.

From Tuesday 15^th to Friday 18^th February, inspectors scrutinised compliance at Elmhurst including our policies, procedures and documentation for safeguarding, first aid and health & safety. Inspectors met with Principal Jessica Ward, Chair & Governors, department leads and students throughout the inspection week. All accomplished and well-respected educationalists, the inspectors observed a range of academic and artistic classes to endorse and validate the outstanding work of staff and students. Inspectors interviewed boarders and boarding teams during visits to The Elms, Fischer, Hetherington, Mortimer and Park boarding houses, and quizzed teachers and students during the Educational Quality Inspection (EQI).

Jessica Ward, Principal, said: “Elmhurst’s values align with those of the ISI - children first, diversity, integrity and transparency - so it is a huge honour to come through the inspectorate’s focused review with flying colours. The success is with thanks to an incredibly passionate and dedicated Elmhurst team and community who continue to create and maintain an environment where students flourish.

 The inspection follows two very challenging years for everyone, so reporting on its success at this particular time carries an added sense of achievement and pride. The vote of confidence signals we are in excellent shape. I could not be prouder of the entire school community as we go from strength to strength towards our imminent 100^th anniversary year and beyond.”