We are delighted to be able to share the report we have received from the Independent Schools Inspectorate as a result of our recent Educational Quality and Focussed Compliance inspections.

The report can be read in full by clicking here – ISI Report 2018

In terms of Educational Quality, as you will see when you read the report, Gateways has received the top grade of “Excellent” in both categories – Pupil Achievement and Pupil Development – and we are absolutely thrilled with these outcomes. Personally I was very pleased to read that the inspectors determined that one of the main factors contributing to our excellence in Achievement was our small class sizes. They said: “Small class sizes and close attention by teachers to individual needs, including specialist support if needed, are major factors in the excellent academic achievement of all groups.” This finding totally supports our ethos in restricting our classes to be in the educationally optimum range of 14 – 18 pupils on average across the subjects studied in each year group. We are the only school in the wider area to give parents and pupils this guarantee and we are delighted that it has been recognised as making the difference.

I am also pleased that boys in our area will now also be able to benefit from this difference beyond the age of 11 from next September.

In terms of the Focussed Compliance aspect of the inspection, that section of the report takes the form of a standard template and can therefore make for rather bland reading. Standards are either “met” or “not met” and quality judgements are either “good” or “not good”. The headline is however that we are fully compliant in all aspects of the regulatory requirements as laid down by the Department for Education and enshrined in legislation.

I hope everyone will enjoy reading the full report and, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me.

– Dr Tracy Johnson, Head –