City of London Freemen's School has been deemed “excellent” in its latest regulatory compliance and educational quality inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

A team of eight inspectors visited Freemen’s over three days in November 2022 and found that the school met the standards in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022, and associated requirements and was fully compliant in all areas. 

These standards included quality of education provided; spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; welfare, health and safety of pupils; suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors; premises of and accommodation at schools; provision of information; manner in which complaints are handled and quality of leadership in and management of schools.

Overall, the inspectors were impressed by the school and all standards were met. Standards such as the quality of education provided by the school and staff as well as the quality of pupils’ academic achievement and personal development were both rated “excellent”.

A high level of attainment is a consequence of the pupils’ excellent attitudes to learning and the support and constructive criticism provided by their teachers.

ISI Report, November 2022

Older pupils offer support to the younger ones, mentoring academically and pastorally, to help build their confidence and skills. The school's leaders have successfully embedded an ethos of respect, kindness and openness across the school.

ISI Report, November 2022

The pupils' achievements are supported by an extensive co-curricular programme. Pupils are encouraged to take all opportunities offered to develop their interests and discover their passions and talents.

ISI Report, November 2022

The achievement of pupils both in and out of the classroom is excellent. Academic ambition is reflected not just in grades but in performance in a wide range of competitions including public speaking, poetry, science and maths.

ISI Report, November 2022

Parents agreed that the school equipped their children with the team working, collaborative and research skills they need in later life.

ISI Report, November 2022

Pupils are confident in their decisions making and are prepared to attempt challenging tasks with a supportive environment.

ISI Report, November 2022

Pupils demonstrate respect for all cultures and beliefs.

ISI Report, November 2022

Pupils display resilience in their learning, supported by an atmosphere of challenge, where trying to understand complex concepts is seen as enjoyable.

ISI Report, November 2022

The school has an effective pastoral care system in place, which includes counselling and mental health support and regular online safety training.

ISI Report, November 2022

The well-structured and engaging learning environment encourages pupils to work beyond the confines of the curriculum and develop their knowledge.

ISI Report, November 2022

They [the pupils] have a thirst for knowledge and are well supported by this by the strong subject knowledge of their teachers.

ISI Report, November 2022

 

The inspection was based on observed lessons, discussions with pupils, staff, governors and parents. Inspectors also visited the boarding house, Walbrook, and the learning support and educational resource areas as part of their visit. 

Roland Martin, Headmaster said: “I am extremely proud of the work our staff do to ensure we meet the expected standards in and out of the classroom and it is so pleasing to see that reflected in the report. The quality of pupils’ academic – and other - achievements being deemed “excellent” is very rewarding for all concerned. 

“Obviously, I am delighted that we were marked fully compliant across all areas, but it is particularly rewarding to see the School’s ethos commended. The comments regarding our commitment to developing students from Junior School through to Senior School and on to Sixth Form to be ready for the world beyond is truly heartening. I felt in my conversations with the reporting inspector that she and her very professional team had the measure of the School and understood the quality of the pupils and staff that we have here at Freemen’s.”

Read report in full

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.