Inspection 2011

Summary of main findings

Following the previous inspection in 2006, St Albans High School for Girls has once again received a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), praising all aspects of the school.

At the end of November 2010, a team of five Inspectors spent two days at the Senior School and at the Preparatory School in Wheathampstead. Their report, issued in January 2011, rated all aspects of the school, from the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards as being excellent.

Particular praise was given to the pupils' excellent attitudes to learning; the excellent teaching across all ages; the outstanding quality of the pupils' personal and social development and the excellent pastoral arrangements within the School.

Parents' overwhelming satisfaction with the education and support provided, was confirmed in the responses the ISI received to their pre-inspection questionnaire.

Headmistress Mrs Rosemary Martin was delighted that the hard work and commitment of both staff and students was recognised in the Inspectors' findings that "pupils of all ages make excellent progress in relation to their already high abilities".

During the inspection, the Inspectors looked at the School's Policies and regulations, talked with girls and staff, attended assemblies/registrations and extra-curricular activities alongside observing lessons as well as scrutinising samples of pupil's work.

The ISI inspects schools according to a standard framework for inspection which has been agreed with the DFE and they have recognised the ISI as the body responsible for the regular inspection of schools in England which are affiliated to the ISC.

See below for a full version of the Inspection Report. Alternatively contact the Headmistress' PA for a hard copy.