INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

2008 Inspection of

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

The focus of the Inspection was on the all round educational experience of the pupils. The inspectors spent time interviewing staff, pupils and parents as well as scrutinising pupils’ work, evaluating school policies and practice and, of course, observing many lessons and other school activities. The full inspection report is available from the school and is on the school’s website; below, however, is a summary of the main findings.

THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

The last inspection concluded that the educational experience provided was excellent.

It is now outstanding.

The school’s tradition of academic ambition is reflected in the outstanding level of the pupils’ learning. They derive considerable enjoyment and intellectual excitement from every aspect of their work.

The quality of education meets the aims of enabling pupils to make the most of their abilities and to strive for academic excellence, helped by a highly committed and enthusiastic staff. The school provides a non-competitive environment in which pupils are free to become independent learners and be self-disciplined.

The provision for the cultural development of pupils is excellent. It is fostered by a full programme of extra-curricular activities and cultural visits…all of which introduce the pupils to new and exciting experiences.

For many years, the school has been renowned for chamber music, regularly winning the Founder’s Trophy in the National Schools’ Chamber Music Competition. The school mounts about twenty dramatic productions a year. The school currently holds an Artsmark Gold level award for its achievements and activities in these areas. Pupils also take part in many sports. Each year, some represent the county, and occasionally their country, in lacrosse, netball, gymnastics, cross-country running and athletics.

The quality of teaching is frequently outstanding and never less than good.

The joy of scholarship and the virtue of academic rigour are conveyed to pupils in most lessons. All pupils, regardless of ability, are given guidance and support.

A distinctive feature of the approach to assessment is the absence of any rank orders of pupils by their performance. The focus is on each individual’s achievement and their self motivation. Pupils welcome the freedom this brings from the stress of public competition, while acknowledging that they continue to be competitive and treat seriously the assessments they are given.

Teaching fosters in pupils the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and an ability to think and learn for themselves.

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is outstanding

In every respect, the school’s aims – respect for the faiths of others in the multi-ethnic society of the school; promotion of service to others; and caring for others in the school – are fully satisfied.

THE QUALITY OF CARE AND RELATIONSHIPS

The quality of pastoral care and of the welfare, health and safety of pupils is outstanding

The quality of relationships between staff and pupils is excellent. Pupils are confident when talking to staff that any concerns they may have will be listened to sympathetically.

Courtesy, care and consideration for others are well understood and underpin community life. The pupils are very supportive of one another. They say that they have a very constructive, open and friendly relationship with staff and that they are valued as part of the school community. This atmosphere of ease and trust encourages pupils to take a full part in lessons and in extra-curricular activities, where they have the confidence to show initiative and develop leadership skills.

Quality of links with parents and the community

The links with the community are also outstanding and continue to be developed.

Teachers are approachable and know their pupils well, and parents feel that several members of staff are readily available for them to approach for advice. The excellent link between teachers and parents is a significant factor in the strong pastoral care system.

The school believes strongly in service and is true to its aims to promote it. Such links enrich the pupils’ education and learning, and help to produce a sense of community and an understanding and appreciation of the world about them.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The quality of leadership and management of the school is outstanding.

The headmistress provides strong and dynamic leadership, ably supported by her senior management team. Together they provide clear educational direction that is reflected in the quality of education, the care of pupils and the fulfilment of the school’s aims and ethos.