Following a delay of some months (plenty of information on mumsnet regarding ISI inspections and delays) the report from last years inspection was published on the 26th February. The school might well be happy with the report which, largely due to the efforts of the girls and their teachers, celebrates their achievements and praises attainment. Identifying some areas of concern it strangely makes no mention of the sudden fall in 2015 GCSE and A level exam results. Why inspectors only compared statistics up to 2014 is unclear, the 2015 figures were available.
To offer clarity and provide some context most school websites openly allow access to past inspection reports. The High School's previous report is no longer visible making it very difficult for anyone to draw comparisons. I also find it extraordinary that encomium quotes from that report commending the previous headmistress are to date, still forming part of the current headmasters welcome. With an absence of accolades in the latest report these appear to have been permanently hijacked, which is extremely shallow. Indeed many of the claims marketed on the welcome page relating to exams and school rankings are historic. The facts are readily available, I hope parents will take time to research beyond the school's own website.
For many the school remains under the spotlight and the 2016 exam results are crucial if confidence is to be restored. Yet more change is imminent if judged by the number of recent senior management vacancies, some may consider this necessary if things are to improve, others will eye the move sceptically but there is certainly an outcry for greater transparency. There are those who seem content with the current regime and I understand why many with a vested interest in the school would seek to defend its position. In the meantime it remains a hot topic at the school gates.