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Glebe House School ‘is a happy school. Pupils are well behaved and enthusiastic about their learning. Personal development is good and a strength of the school. Pastoral care is also particularly effective’ and ‘Pupils of all ages and abilities make good progress as a result of the good teaching.’ according to the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) who visited the school in September 2009.

The ISI inspects schools according to a standard framework for inspection which it has laid down for the purposes of ensuring that standards are maintained and that the school complies with relevant legal requirements.  Regular inspection not only ensures that parents can have confidence in Independent Schools Council schools, but helps schools to get better.

The report reflected particularly well on the pupils with comments such as:

‘Pupils express themselves clearly. They are articulate and have acquired a good vocabulary. They listen attentively to their teachers and show respect for each other’s views. Younger pupils speak with confidence and understand the need to take turns during discussions.’

‘Behaviour within and outside the classroom is consistently good. Relaxed and yet respectful relationships are evident both between boys and girls and between pupils and staff.’

The report also praises the quality of teaching and pastoral care throughout the school and nursery, typical comments included:

‘The quality of pastoral care is good and is a strength of the school. The school’s aim to promote a pastoral care system which inculcates the values of care and consideration for others is achieved well. The system is effective in creating a sense of family throughout the school, including in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Scheme) where staff are highly effective in working together to promote the children’s health and well-being.’

The School was complimented on many areas of teaching :

‘Highly successful lessons are characterised by the teacher’s enthusiasm, good subject knowledge, sense of humour and appropriate use of resources.’

‘Support given to pupils with additional learning needs is particularly effective and aspects of it are outstanding.’

‘The provision in the Early Years Foundation Scheme is good with several distinct strengths. In the EYFS, staff effectively help children to gain many skills that equip them well for their future learning.’

‘Work in the Nursery lays a particularly good foundation for the social skills of paying attention to others’ ideas and consideration for others. This provides major benefits for later learning.’

The Headmaster, John Crofts, commented “We are pleased with the positive tone of the report.  The inspectors’ ratings for the school have improved in all areas since the last inspection.  I am convinced that the quality of the relationships between staff and pupils within the school, endorsed by the ISI inspectors, are at the heart of this success.  We remain committed to providing a fulfilling, supportive and challenging educational experience for all our pupils at the school”

The Chairman of Governors, Chris Tyler, who is also a parent of two pupils at the school, said “I am pleased that inspectors recognised the all round qualities of the school.  The report reflects well on the pupils and is a credit to the hard work and enthusiasm shown by John Crofts and his staff”