RGS Guildford is delighted to announce the findings of its latest inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), a report which highlights the School’s exceptional standards across all areas of provision. The inspection focuses on five areas: Leadership and management, and governance; Quality of education, training and recreation; Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; Pupils’ social and economic wellbeing and contribution to society; and Safeguarding of the pupils.
Under the new ISI framework, the accolade of Significant Strength is a rare distinction that is awarded if a school demonstrates a clear, measurable, and profoundly positive impact on its students. The RGS is proud to have been recognised as having not one but two major strengths in the educational experience which set it apart from other schools.
Reflecting on the recently-published report, Headmaster Dr Jon Cox said: “I am absolutely thrilled to share our new inspection report with our community.”
“We are one of just a small handful of schools in the whole country to receive two Significant Strengths. I am delighted the inspectors recognised that, firstly, inclusion and mutual respect and, secondly, breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship as well as academic curiosity and ambition are embedded and celebrated in absolutely everything we do at the RGS.
“We are rightly proud of our philosophy of Scholarship for All and the inspectors acknowledged that our strong academic culture leads to pupils who readily engage in critical thinking and deep learning and display intellectual curiosity. This is down, in no small part, to the fact that staff supplement their deep subject knowledge with tailored professional development to deliver exciting lessons which challenge pupils.”
“What particularly pleased me, however, was the way in which the inspectors really got under the skin of the School, to get an authentic feel for the RGS and what makes us tick: our values, our culture and our ethos. They singled out for praise the fact that pupils are taught to appreciate diversity and to value the strengths and potential in everyone and they also spoke about how the RGS builds pupils’ confidence and self-esteem, where the culture is one of expressing their own perspectives and opinions. Most importantly, they acknowledged that tolerance, kindness and mutual respect pervade every aspect of school life. As the Inspectors noted – and this could not be more vital in the current climate – pupils develop social skills, confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they are well prepared for life.”
“As you read the Inspection Report, I am sure you will be as proud of the RGS as I am. The report is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the whole community: the students, the staff, and our families who make the RGS such a special and unique community.”