City of London Freemen’s School is delighted to share that the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has judged the school to meet all Independent School Standards following its full inspection in October 2025. Inspectors praised Freemen’s as a community where pupils achieve exceptional academic success within a caring, supportive and ambitious environment.
The report highlighted the school’s outstanding leadership and governance, noting that governors and senior leaders provide clear strategic direction and ensure pupils’ wellbeing and achievement remain at the heart of every decision. Teaching and learning were commended for being innovative, challenging and nurturing in equal measure, enabling pupils to think critically, take risks and excel across the curriculum.
Inspectors also recognised Freemen’s exceptional focus on emotional wellbeing, describing it as a “significant strength of the school”. Pupils were found to be confident, kind and respectful, benefiting from excellent pastoral care and a wide range of creative, sporting and co-curricular opportunities. The school’s strong safeguarding culture and vibrant boarding community were also highly praised.
The ISI concluded that Freemen’s offers an education where pupils truly “learn, lead and make a difference.”
Roland Martin, Headmaster said: “As someone who is often invited to inspect by ISI, I know just how rare - and how hard-earned - it is for a school to be recognised for a significant strength. That makes the findings of this inspection especially rewarding to read.
I am immensely grateful to colleagues across the School whose dedication ensures that Freemen’s remains the warm, ambitious and caring community reflected in this report. I would also like to thank our parents and pupils for their continued support of everything we do at Freemen’s.”
Read the full ISI Inspection Report here
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations. ISI inspections are also carried out under arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of their membership.
View previous reports:
ISI Inspection Report 2022
ISI Inspection Report 2018
ISI Inspection Report 2015
Good Schools Guide
The Good Schools Guide is written by parents, for parents. Their team visited Freemen's and observed our lessons, explored our grounds, inspected our facilities, and spent time in both our Junior and Senior Schools. Their conclusion was clear:
Parents talk of ‘happy, well-rounded children’ who ‘will get the grades’ but leave having ‘experienced so much more’
Read the Good Schools Guide Junior School Report here
Read the Good Schools Guide Senior School Report here
A forward-looking school with a strong community vibe that turns out well-rounded, happy young people – without sacrificing academic achievement. School says that ‘every child will find their path here’ – and we found it has the facilities and opportunities to back this up.
