Guernsey’s only all-girls school has received a rare outcome following a recent inspection.
The Ladies’ College was told it ‘exceeds expectations’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, carried out under the UK Government’s British Schools Overseas scheme.
The result means Ladies’ College is one of just four schools worldwide to be recognised as exceeding the expectations of independent schools.
Principal Daniele Harford-Fox said she was most proud of the way the school’s values were portrayed and understood when it was inspected recently.
“All inspections are nerve-wracking, and huge work goes into them, but they also create incredible pride in the students and staff,” she said. “My stand-out moment was when the lead inspector said that he was struck by how deeply our values and aims were lived, that this was a place that truly did empower girls and where the girls really strove to be full of kindness, bravery and integrity.
“We are immensely proud of the findings of this inspection, which recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication of our staff, alongside the enthusiasm, drive and character of our pupils. This result is a testament to the community at The Ladies’ College, and I feel very proud of our girls, their families and the staff who strive every day to provide an outstanding education.”
Mary Lawson is Head of Melrose – the junior school at Ladies’ College.
“It is wonderful to see the work of the team at Melrose and in the Pre-School recognised in this way,” she added. “Inspectors saw the secure foundations in literacy and numeracy that our students build, which support their learning across the curriculum. They also saw the positive attitudes our students bring to their learning, nurtured by the high expectations of our teachers and the care with which learning is planned to support every child’s progress. Our students leave Melrose well prepared for the next stage of their journey, and that is something we are immensely proud of.”
Caroline Chan, Chair of the Board of Governors at The Ladies’ College, praised the staff and pupils for the successful inspection report.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to congratulate the leadership team, staff and students on this outstanding result. To be one of only four schools globally to be recognised in this way is an exceptional achievement.
“I would also like to thank my fellow Board members for their valuable work in supporting the College. The Board of Governors works closely with the College’s leadership team to provide both support and constructive challenge, and these findings reflect a clear and shared vision for the College’s future. We are particularly pleased to see inspectors recognise the strong relationships the College has built with the wider Guernsey community, and the environment that leaders have nurtured so that every student throughout the College can flourish.”
The Independent Schools Inspectorate
The ISI inspection, overseen by the UK Department for Education, assesses British international schools against a rigorous framework covering educational quality, leadership and governance, pupil welfare and safeguarding.
For most accredited schools, the highest possible outcome is to meet all requirements, which in itself reflects a strong standard of quality.
The Ladies’ College was told it has gone beyond this benchmark, with inspectors awarding the higher judgement reserved for schools where leadership has a clear and significantly positive impact on pupils.
Inspectors found that the quality of leadership decision-making and its implementation across all sections of the framework exceeds requirements in most areas, with a demonstrable and highly beneficial impact on pupils, whilst all other areas meet requirements in full.
This makes The Ladies’ College one of only four BSO-accredited schools worldwide, across more than 40 countries, to achieve this level of recognition.
The report highlighted examination results at both A level and GCSE are above the average for independent schools in the UK. Inspectors also commended the College for increasing the number of pupils studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at A level through the promotion of influential female role models.
Beyond academic performance, inspectors recognised the calm and supportive environment created across the College, allowing the students to develop confidence and self-esteem. They noted that staff know students well, that pupils are ‘accepted on their merits and known and supported as individuals’ and that they are well prepared for later life. The College’s arrangements for safeguarding were also found to be effective, with inspectors highlighting that pupils know how to share any concerns with adults and learn how to keep themselves safe online.
