Ofsted Reports

[Earlybird]

In the next few days, I must make a final decision about where dd(4.0) will enter reception in September. We are considering a few private/independent schools in central London.

I've just been online to have a look/compare Ofsted reports for the various schools - and none of the schools have reports available! In fact, several of the schools aren't even listed when the name is typed into the search engine. Why would that be? Is there another place to look? Is there another (perhaps independent) body that inspects/rates private schools?

[bundle]

earlybird, if you google ofsted private schools, the first site i found (politics.co.uk) had an interesting article re: ofsted's thoughts on how private schools are assessed. sorry, it won't let me post a link

[marialuisa]

Yes, very few private schools are inspected by ofsted (usually only nursery sections so they qualify for vouchers). Try here to start with.

[marialuisa]

DD's school has just been through ISI (whole school) and OFSTED (foundation stage). Teachers say they are very different inspections as OFSTED much more concerned about record-keeping, ticking boxes whereas ISI more concerned with standard of teaching and kids' achievement.

[Earlybird]

marialuisa - thanks for the link to ISI. The information provided on their website appears to be basic listing information. There doesn't seem to be any info on strengths/weaknesses of the individual schools. I guess I'm hoping to find some sort of independent assessment of each school.

bundle - thanks for the tip. Will check out that article later today.

Anyone else have any other tips on how to research/compare private schools?

[cazzybabs]

Ring up the schools and ask them to send you a copy of their lastest insepction. They should be willing to do this ..it might even be linked off their website.

My only tip is think about what type of eduction you wish your child to have. SOem schools are very accedemic, some sporty, some focus on the arts. Go and look round and meet the head. ASk what his visiom is for the school. where does he see it in ten years time. (sorry about the spelling dd2 is trying to help).

[cazzybabs]

The loink that Marialusia gave you gives you full access to the inpection reports that the school will send you. the overall findings sum up the pluses and weakness of the school at the top.

[LIZS]

Have you looked at this site , not sure if the information is the same as Maria Luisa's link. Do the schools have websites as they may publish the latest reports on there or in their prospectuses.

[LIZS]

Sorry meant this site

[marialuisa]

You need to click on the heading at the top that says "school inspection reports" and then click on the letter the school's name begins with.

Some of the reports are quite old, but that's the best there is TBH.

[marialuisa]

You need to click on the heading at the top that says "school inspection reports" and then click on the letter the school's name begins with.

Some of the reports are quite old, but that's the best there is TBH.

[Earlybird]

Interesting that 2 of the 3 schools we're considering do not have inspection reports.

One school is simply listed, one school has a full report (though 4 years old), and one school isn't listed at all. What could that mean? Is it possible that the two who don't have reports are not doing as well as they purport? Or am I being too suspicious?

[LIZS]

Not all private /independent schools are members of ISIS.

[rosebunch]

I've been looking at this issue too and it seems that the independent schools that are not members of the Independent Schools inspectorate, haven't had to be inspected previously but will be from now on (I found this on the Ofsted website FAQ). Annoying because a couple of the schools I wanted, like you, have no report either. How on earth do you know how they are doing??

[cazzybabs]

All the good ones are members of IAPS (well thats what Ithink or they have enough money to pay the membership!).

I guess the only way to know is to ask the school for SATS results (they may not do SATS), where children go on to other schools, do they scholorships etc; how the school themselves monitor teaching/children's progress.