In September 2021, Banstead Prep School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in which a Focused Compliance inspection was combined with an inspection of Educational Quality.  The school was found to be excellent in all areas, the highest possible achievement.

Key findings

Focused Compliance Inspection

The school meets the standards in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and relevant requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, and associated requirements, and no further action is required as a result of this inspection.

Educational Quality Inspection

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.

  • Pupils are highly effective communicators in both the written and spoken word.
  • Pupils’ attitudes towards learning are excellent throughout the school.
  • Pupils are effective learners and demonstrate the ability to work confidently on their own, although their ability to use their own initiative to direct their learning is less well developed.
  • Those with diagnosed individual needs are highly productive learners.

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent

  • Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable throughout the school; they display high degrees of courtesy to their peers, staff and visitors.
  • Pupils have wholeheartedly adopted the school’s aims, ethos and culture and do their best to live by the five qualities of being compassionate, adaptable, tenacious, courageous and honest.
  • From the earliest age, pupils show a keen awareness of the needs of others; they are extremely willing to help and support their peers both inside and outside the classroom.

The full report can be downloaded from the ISI website or via the link below.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations.  ISI inspections involve inspectors observing lessons, conducting formal interviews with pupils and examining pupils’ work. Inspectors held discussions with members of staff and with a group of governors, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities that occurred during the inspection period, and attended form meetings. Inspectors visited the facilities for the youngest pupils, together with the learning support and educational resource areas.  The responses of parents and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed and the inspectors examined curriculum and other documentation made available by the school.