ISI Inspection Report

Just before the summer holidays of 2007 the Independent Schools Council carried out a rigorous inspection of St Faith’s.

The process was thorough and demanding and the results very positive. The report can be viewed in full at http://www.isi.net/reports/2007/1074_07.htm

The Cambridge Evening News printed the following article summarising the report and its value.

St Faith’s – a busy year, a positive inspection report and a happy and successful environment.

"At the risk of sounding repetitive, I am extremely proud of our school and of all our girls and boys. It has been such a busy year and also great fun. The children have focused so well on the core curriculum work with outstanding results and excelled in sports, in drama, music and art. There is always something remarkable going on, whether that be hosting the Cambridgeshire Schools' Maths Challenge, pond dipping or being a Roman for the day!" commented the Headmaster, Mr Stephen Drew.

In July the ISI Inspection Report for St Faith’s was published, providing independent testament to Mr Drew’s description of a happy, busy and successful school.

The St Faith's Inspection report is a wonderful accolade to the school. "I was delighted to receive such an informed and observant report. It is always satisfying to hear praise and the inspection process elicits feedback from staff, governors, parents and children, leaving no stone unturned. The critical issues that I measure our achievement on; the outstanding family nature of the school; the evident happiness of our community; the strong positive attitude to learning and of course the achievement of excellent academic results are all commented upon very favourably and are a joy to be part of."

"It is also very useful for me to have 'work in progress' issues noted by the inspectors and endorsed - it gives parents great confidence in the inspection system and in the ISC's commitment to helping accredited schools find ways to get even better. The inspection team's suggestion that we move ahead with our programme for ongoing curriculum development and monitoring "“to support the school’s aims to achieve excellence" is very welcome.

The ISI report comments particularly on the culture of St Faith's, the "caring, kind and respectful attitude" of the children and the excellence of the pastoral arrangements. "Throughout the school, the pupils demonstrate outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. The ethos of the school, to celebrate diversity and emphasise tolerance, permeates all that it does."

Academically the school is providing admirably for its children, with pupils' attainment in national tests being well above the national average for all maintained primary schools and children being well prepared for the next stage of their education and development, leaving St Faith’s as "confident, articulate individuals". But staff at St Faith's would be quick to comment that whilst academic success is supported and valued, the breadth of opportunity and learning offered at the school benefits children in a much wider sense and supports the school’s ambitious aim of finding the key to unlock the special skills and interest of each and every child.