Independent schools
This page provides a summary of the key messages from our work in the sector during the academic year 2021-22. Click on the arrows for details of what’s going well and what needs to improve, along with links to resources for providers.
What’s going well
- Pupil and staff well-being is a strong focus in nearly all schools.
- Schools are putting in place useful strategies to support pupils’ mental well-being and to address emotional issues arising from the pandemic. This includes employing independent counsellors.
- Pupils demonstrate very positive attitudes towards their learning.
What needs to improve
- Personal and social education (PSE) is not always effectively delivered, particularly for pupils in key stage 4 and the sixth form. This means that pupils miss out on important learning in this subject.
What’s going well
- Schools’ swift and effective response to the challenge of online teaching ensures that pupils’ progress and standards remain high.
- Teachers continue to use technology effectively where it supports the learning experience of pupils.
What needs to improve
- Teaching does not always challenge the most able pupils.
- Co-curricular activities and learning experiences have reduced due to the restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s going well
- Leaders responded swiftly, creatively and effectively to the challenges of the pandemic.
- Leaders continue to develop the strong working relationship between staff and with parents that was established during the pandemic.
- Leaders work to ensure that there is a strong safeguarding culture in schools.
What needs to improve
- Professional learning opportunities for staff have decreased due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
- Quality assurance processes are not always sharp enough and may not pick up on variability in provision. View resource.