Blanchelande College met all five standards required by the Independent School Standards inspectorate when it was reviewed in April.

The inspectors have praised the school for its leadership, its strong Catholic ethos, and for having a supportive, respectful environment that promotes pupils’ emotional and mental wellbeing.

The inspection was carried out under a new format, with the ISI swapping from giving schools overall grades to marking them against set standards.

The inspection reports now focus on whether schools fully meet specific standards in five key areas, with outcomes categorised as ‘met’ or ‘not met’.

Principal, Mrs Alexa Yeoman, said she is really pleased with how well the school has done against this new criteria.

Pictured: Blanchelande Principal Alexa Yeoman.

“We are delighted with the results. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of our staff, whose dedication and passion are evident throughout this report.

“I am also thankful to our parents for their continued support, and to our exceptional pupils, who truly embody our school’s mission of being ‘part of a family, one of a kind’ that celebrates individual learning alongside a collaborative and respectful environment.”

All British Schools Overseas standards were met within the ISI framework and the only recommendations for improvements concern ensuring that “teaching consistently encourages pupils to develop their thinking skills” and “ensure that teachers consistently have the necessary information and support to address the needs of pupils who have SEND in order to ensure these pupils make the best possible progress”.

“All inspections are required to present development opportunities and Blanchelande is encouraged and will embrace the recommendations given by ISI as they fit well with the priorities that have already been identified within the school,” said Ms Yeoman.

    Blanchelande currently has 449 pupils – of which 165 are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities.

    Seven pupils speak English as an additional language.

    Inspection highlights

    Blanchelande College was one of four pilot schools inspected under the new framework.

    Inspection highlights included:

    • The school’s close-knit environment contributes to a tangible sense of community and self-worth.
    • Pupils make good progress from their starting points to both GCSE and A Level.
    • This ensures pupils receive an education that is age-appropriate, builds independence and prepares them for future learning and life beyond school.
    • Leaders create a welcoming and supportive environment which is successful in fostering pupils’ personal development.

    Among the highlights from the inspection report, Blanchelande was praised for “fostering pupils’ personal development”.

    “Pupils learn to co-exist effectively and respond positively to the needs of others,” the inspectors wrote.

    “They have appropriate knowledge of the range of people they can contact should they have any issues.”

    Academically, “pupils of all ages benefit from a wide-ranging co-curricular programme, which is designed to support their skills, interests and personal development. Leaders’ encouragement means that large numbers of pupils participate”.

    Regarding faith, “the school’s Catholic ethos is central to its approach to promoting pupils’ spiritual learning and their sense of social responsibility. As a result, pupils have a growing understanding of faith and ethics, and a sense of belonging to a wider religious and moral community”.