150 Derby V School 13 9 23

Inspection Reports

 

Our latest Inspection report

Our most recent ISI inspection took place between the 7th and 9th October 2025. This report is the first we have received under the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s new inspection framework, which came into effect in September 2023.

We are very pleased to have met all the standards, receiving many positive comments and highlighted strengths from the visiting inspection team. We congratulate the children and staff team on receiving such a positive report.

You can download a copy of our Inspection Reports below.

Why Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Reports Matter When Choosing a School

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. Alongside your own impressions from visits and conversations, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report provides a reliable, expert‑led view of how well a school is performing. An ISI report is the independent schools sector equivalent to OFSTED. It offers an expert, balanced assessment rooted in national standards and child wellbeing. Combined with your own visit and instincts, it can help ensure the school you choose offers good academics, and a safe, nurturing, and well‑led environment where your child can truly thrive.

Understanding how these inspections work—and why they matter—can give you confidence that the report you’re reading truly reflects the school’s strengths and areas for development. Since September 2023 school inspection formats have changed under Framework 23, and you will notice a sharp difference in grading – a previously ‘Excellent’ school is now rated as ‘The Standards are met’. The new framework introduces a different style of reporting that you will find has a very different focus and tone compared to previous ISI reports or traditional school inspection reports.

Here are the key changes in the report’s style and structure:

  • Removal of single overall grades/judgements: You will notice the absence of any single, summative grade (such as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’) for the school as a whole or even for specific areas. Schools no longer receive such grades in the reports. Words such as “excellent” are often replaced with words such as “strength” or “robust”.
  • Focus on meeting standards: Instead of grades, the report focuses on whether the school meets the required Independent School Standards across five key areas: academic, pastoral, governance, safeguarding, and wellbeing.
  • Narrative and detailed findings: The report is now more narrative-based, providing descriptive evidence of the inspectors’ findings in clear and functional language.
  • Clearer areas for action: Where standards are met, the report may highlight strengths. If any standards are not met, it will recommend specific next steps or areas for action, providing clarity for continuous improvement. Thankfully, all standards were fully met in our inspection.

Why ISI Inspections Matter to Parents

  1. Independent, Objective Insight

ISI inspections are designed to be transparent and impartial, focusing on whether a school consistently meets national standards. These inspections assess everything from leadership and management to pupil welfare, safeguarding, and educational quality. The framework emphasises strong governance and clear responsibility for promoting pupil wellbeing.

  1. A Deep Focus on Safeguarding and Wellbeing

For most parents, nothing is more important than safety. ISI places safeguarding at the heart of its work, evaluating how well a school protects children from harm and supports their emotional and physical wellbeing. This includes checks on staff recruitment, record‑keeping, and day‑to‑day safety practices.

  1. Assurance of High Educational Standards

ISI reports examine the quality of education, training, and enrichment opportunities. They provide a clear view of how effectively a school supports pupils’ progress, character development, and broader contribution to society.

How to Interpret an ISI Report

While each report differs, most include:

  • A summary of inspection findings, highlighting key strengths.
  • Compliance with the Independent School Standards, noting where expectations are fully met or partially unmet.
  • Comments on leadership and management, which are crucial indicators of a school’s culture and long‑term stability.

Understanding these sections can help you compare schools more confidently.