Following our visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate in March 2025 we are pleased to share with you the report detailing that West Lodge School meets the ISI standards in all five areas: 

1.      Leadership and management, and governance.
2.      Quality of education, training and recreation. 
3.      Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. 
4.      Pupils' social and economic education and contribution to society. 
5.      Safeguarding.  

We are pleased that the report recognises many of the elements that make West Lodge a special place to learn, including (text from the report in bold):

The positive start provided by our Early Years setting, including how children develop confidence and independence in their learning as a result of an appropriate curriculum and well-trained staff, and how children become articulate and confident communicators and that the vast majority of children meet the early learning goals across all areas of the framework. 

The ambition that teachers and leaders have for pupils’ learning and achievement is recognised meaning that by the end of Year 6, the majority of pupils attain above average in standardised tests in mathematics and English compared to those taking the same tests nationally and that the majority of leavers gain entry to their first choice of senior school. It also remarks upon how leavers are consistently offered places at selective senior schools and awarded a range of scholarships.  

The support provided to pupils in preparing for entrance examinations is remarked upon and that parents and pupils are well-supported in choosing their next school.

The positive effect of the specialist teaching and suitable use of resources which, during their visit they saw in areas such as modern foreign languages, engineering and computing fosters pupils' interest and self-motivation. 

The report highlights that teaching is delivered by a team who are knowledgeable about their subjects and communicate effectively so pupils know how to improve their work.  

The way that our Maths curriculum and teaching is structured, enabling pupils to apply their knowledge in problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. 

The wide range of leadership opportunities available to students from an early age was commented on; pupils are given a wide range of opportunities to lead and support the school community and Eco-Council and the Year 6 leadership programme were mentioned alongside the variety of other community involvement initiatives.

We believe in educating the whole child and the report noted the power of our careers education and range of guest speakers, trips and charitable initiatives, ensuring pupils develop a broad social and economic understanding and appreciate the contribution they can make to their local community and wider society. This is coupled with a broad programme of educational visits and extra-curricular clubs, from cookery to Lego construction to extend and deepen pupils’ learning and skills both within and beyond the curriculum.  

This is in addition to the extensive range of physical activities through PE lessons, competitive sports and a range of extra-curricular opportunities from athletics to early-years yoga. 

It details how those with SEN and those with prior higher attainment are supported and challenged as are those who speak English as another language (EAL). 

Pupils feel safe and are confident that they can approach a trusted adult for guidance and support where required.

Most importantly, the report recognises that we are an inclusive school where the mental health and wellbeing of children is promoted by leaders and bullying is rare and not tolerated.

All Inspections Provide Recommendations.

As highlighted in the report there is an effective safeguarding culture throughout the school and the designated safeguarding governor meets regularly with the safeguarding team to offer support and challenge and review the suitability and effectiveness of the school's responses to safeguarding concerns, or any issues that have arisen.  Inspectors also highlight the school's safeguarding policy and procedures reflect current statutory guidance and are a central feature of induction for new staff. It is also noted that leaders with designated safeguarding responsibilities engage with local agencies for safeguarding refresher training. 

Inspectors judged that overall behaviour at West Lodge is good. This is an aspect of school life that is frequently commented upon by visitors. The report mentions the warm and respectful relationships between pupils and staff, that behaviour management in lessons is consistent and typically effective, polite considerate and respectful relationships are commonplace and that trends in behaviour are monitored by leaders and effective sanctions and support are in place. 

Recommended next steps:

• Strengthen staff's understanding of the school's procedures for reporting low-level concerns.
• Strengthen the safeguarding team's liaison with local safeguarding partners. School Response:  As a result of the recommendation we have spoken with our Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who is happy with the level of contact we currently have with him.  Additionally,  refresher training has been provided to staff regarding our procedures for reporting low-level concerns.

• Ensure that behaviour management strategies are consistently successful in preventing repetition of poor behaviour from a small number of pupils.  School Response: Despite behaviour being good, and aligning with our high expectations and standards, we know that children will make mistakes and that, as educators for life in an inclusive school, we have a key role to play in each child’s personal development.