The Mount School York has been rated excellent the highest grade attainable, by a team of Inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) – the equivalent of OFSTED for the Independent sector.
The School was inspected by the ISI over a three-day period in early November for both regulatory compliance as well as educational quality. Published this week, the educational quality report focuses on two main areas: the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements and the quality of pupils’ personal development. The School was awarded ‘Excellent’ in both categories. The findings from the report reinforce The Mount’s reputation as one of the leading all-girls schools in Yorkshire.
The quality of the pupils’ personal development was judged to be excellent. The report quoted that; “Pupils self-esteem is high and pupils show excellent self-understanding. Pupils display excellent social skills and awareness of others. They support and encourage each other, creating particularly open and friendly relationships. Pupils’ spiritual understanding is a key strength.”
The Inspectors recognised that pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent, with attainment above national age-related expectations. “Pupils show strong knowledge and understanding across subjects, particularly in the Sixth Form. Communication skills are a particular strength of pupils and are evident across many subjects and ages. High expectations in teaching mean that pupils strive for and achieve high standards in their learning.”
Adrienne Richmond, The Mount School Principal comments, “We are delighted with the report, to be graded ‘excellent’ for both areas of the educational quality is extremely pleasing. It is a very proud moment for everyone involved to receive such an excellent report and endorsement of the School.”
“I am very happy that the Inspectors remarked on the confidence and high self-esteem of pupils. Our all-girl focus provides a culture where girls are encouraged to believe in themselves and that nothing is beyond their reach. This in turn leads to happy, confident girls and enables us as a school to get the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils.
“The happiness and development of our pupils is at the heart of all we do at the School. The Inspectors noted the excellent care and mutually respectful relationships between staff and pupils, and the value placed by staff on pupils’ interests and happiness. The report is a testament to the hard work that staff and pupils at The Mount give every day in School.”
The Inspection report also commented on the strong ethos and culture of the School based on their Quaker values. The report states; “The ethos of tolerance and care for others is found throughout the school. Pupils identify an atmosphere of inclusivity and of excellent behaviour based on mutual respect which exists in the school”
The School met all regulatory requirements within the compliance section including the national minimum standards for boarding, and relevant requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The full ISI report can be viewed at www.mountschoolyork.co.uk