ISI or Ofsted Report

April 2006 saw Akeley Wood School's first ISI inspection. The full report is available on the ISI website at:

Independent schools are subject to regular inspections in the same way as maintained or state schools. The Independent Schools' Inspectorate (ISI) is approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to report the extent to which schools comply with the regulatory requirements set down in the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003. During the week beginning Monday 24th April 2006, thirteen inspectors from ISI made Akeley Wood School their home. Four of the inspectors were based at the Junior School (Nursery to Year 4), three stayed at the Lower School (Years 5 and 6), and seven inspectors were charged with observing the Senior School. The result was a very positive report which highlighted the school's key strengths of good teaching, high attainment, first-rate relationships between pupils and staff, and the promotion of mutual respect and a strong system of values.

Comments from the Inspection Report:

"Akeley Wood School provides a good standard of education for boys and girls aged three to eighteen. In the three sections of the school, pupils attain standards that are good in relation to their ability. Senior School GCSE candidates achieve results that are well above those in maintained schools…The achievement of the pupils following the Tutorial Programme is outstanding. Pupils in all sections of the school enjoy excellent relationships with staff and benefit from a good standard of pastoral care…As a member of the Cognita group of schools, it has developed a new confidence and sense of purpose."

Headmaster, Dr Jeremy Grundy, said of the Report:

"The inspectors saw us as we really are: an exceptionally family-orientated school, where pupils and staff enjoy outstanding relations in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Accountability is vital in any profession, and it is gratifying to be deemed to be providing a good standard of education - officially, as it were. My confidence in the whole process of school inspection is reassured by the fact that the inspectors picked up on the genuine warmth that characterises the excellent relationships that exist between teachers and pupils at Akeley Wood. I am especially pleased that they recognised and commended the friendly, positive ethos of the school. "The inspectors acknowledged that Akeley Wood is fast developing, and they applauded the school's development plan for the future. It is my aim to build on the school's successes - both academic and extra-curricular - and to provide the facilities and opportunities that will enable all our pupils to exceed their expectations and to enjoy their schooldays at Akeley Wood to the full. I am delighted to have received such a strong vote of confidence in the school and its vision for the future."

Akeley Wood Junior School

Inspection date: 19 November 2003

The nursery and infant 1 classes of Akeley Wood Junior School provide very good nursery education, with children showing enthusiasm for learning through play. The children are making very good progress towards all early learning goals.

The quality of teaching is very good overall. The staff have a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage; seen through the planning of a wide range of interesting activities. Assessments are used very effectively to establish children's ability on entry and to enable children to continue to make good progress. Staff know children very well, and adjust planning to cover any individual needs and interests, including challenge for the more able children. Staff have the knowledge and experience to support children with special educational needs or who are learning to speak English as an additional language. They encourage all children to take part in all activities, and all children and their contributions are valued.

Click here to see full report:

Akeley Wood Lower School

Inspection date: 10 November 2003

This is a school with many strengths. It meets nearly all the legislative requirements that have recently been introduced, and is now well placed for further improvements. The head teacher plays an important part in setting the ethos and tone, in ensuring consistency in curriculum coverage and in marking, and in developing the curriculum as syllabuses are revised.

Click here to see full report: