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The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visited Sacred Heart School in March 2025 and has published an overwhelmingly positive report. We are thrilled that the report shows that our school has ‘met’ all the Independent School Standards and reflects the outstanding experience our pupils receive in all areas of school life.
The school was inspected under the ISI’s updated framework which evaluates the school across 5 areas. Under this new framework, overall judgements or grades are no longer provided. During their three days, inspectors analysed survey responses; they examined the school’s curriculum, an extensive range of documentation and samples of pupils’ work; they observed many lessons and extra-curricular activities; they attended meetings, registration and assemblies; and they interviewed children, staff and governors.
The success of this inspection was firmly rooted in the excellent work I see here every day. At Sacred Heart School, each child is loved, nurtured and celebrated as an individual. Our children academically excel, they feel safe and supported, and they grow to be the best versions of themselves. I am proud of every single child. My heartfelt thanks go to our inspirational staff whose dedication is reflected across this report, to our parents for all their support, and to our outstanding pupils who embody our school mission statement of Love, Learn, Grow and Worship, ensuring that our school is a happy place to be.
Below are some highlights of our report in each area:
Leadership and Management, and Governance
Governors and leaders “place pupils’ wellbeing at the heart of their practice and decision making. Leaders develop nurturing relationships with pupils so that pupils feel valued and connect to the school.”
“They recognise each pupil as an individual which positively impacts pupils’ self-worth, confidence and readiness to learn.”
Quality of Education, Training and Recreation
“Pupils progress rapidly with their learning as they advance through the school.”
“Lessons involve pupils being stretched to challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding as fully as possible. This is particularly the case within mathematics lessons and when pupils are writing to a high standard.”
“There is an overall atmosphere of calm, purposeful learning in lessons, with high levels of independence.”
Pupils’ Physical and Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
“The Catholic ethos permeates school life. They value every member of the school community by recognising and celebrating their individual achievements.”
“Pupils behave with kindness and respect. Pupils have a well-developed understanding of how to treat each other considerately and show tolerance and inclusion in their interactions.”
“Pupils are kind and respectful in their interactions with others, within an atmosphere of ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.”
Pupils’ Social and Economic Education and Contribution to Society
“Pupils engaged meaningfully with the local community… develop empathy for the wider community, contribute positively and increase their understanding of the importance of service to others.”
“The curriculum prepares pupils thoroughly for the process of applying and transferring to secondary school, with many scholarships gained during these applications.”
Safeguarding
The school has a “robust safeguarding culture. Pupils have a well-developed understanding of safeguarding and know how to seek help should the need arise.”
“Pupils benefit from a well-informed staff who consistently act in their best interests.”
Surveys completed during the inspection showed:
100% of parents agreed (77% strongly) that their ‘child is happy at school’
100% of children agreed ‘I am happy at school’
100% of parents agreed (74% strongly) that ‘the school supports my child’s social and emotional development’
100% of children agreed that the ‘school supports my good physical and mental health’
