ISI Inspection Report 2025

We are delighted to announce the publication of the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate Report on St Mary’s School Ascot for 2025.

The ISI’s inspection of the school took place in January 2025, as part of their routine programme of school inspections. The last inspection took place in 2021, in which St Mary’s was rated ‘Excellent’.

Since the last Inspection, the ratings system used by the ISI has changed, so the previous system of single word judgements no longer applies. Instead, the ISI now produce a description of their findings.

In rare circumstances, the ISI may recognise that a school has a ‘significant strength’. This accolade has not been awarded lightly by inspectors under the new framework, so we are extremely pleased that the inspectors did find that St Mary’s had a significant strength, in our development of the pupils’ social understanding. This is something of which we feel Mary Ward would have been very proud.

Part of the inspection also looks at compliance with regulatory standards. In respect of these, the ISI’s only judgement is whether the standards have been met. We are pleased to announce that St Mary’s did meet all the regulatory standards.

Summary of Inspection findings

We are pleased that the Inspectors highlighted the very things of which we are most proud.
They commented on our positive, friendly and nurturing community spirit, in which the pupils are encouraged and supported in their efforts to make the very best of themselves, in an environment that is healthy and safe.

In particular, the inspectors said:

‘Leaders provide pupils with an environment where kindness prevails.’

‘Lessons are characterised by warm and productive relationships between pupils, and between pupils and teachers.’

On the delivery of the academic curriculum, the inspectors said

‘Teachers skilfully use their subject knowledge to engage pupils in thought-provoking and intellectually rich teaching.’

‘Teaching motivates pupils to learn and succeed.’

‘Teaching … enables pupils to take part enthusiastically in sophisticated philosophical discussions.’

‘Pupils feel confident to ask questions, conduct their own research, present their findings and express their opinions.’

On the pupils' personal development, the inspectors said

‘The development of pupils’ social understanding is a significant strength of the school.’

‘The school enables pupils to develop mature interpersonal skills and engage thoughtfully with peers and adults.’

‘The school provides pupils in all age phases with leadership opportunities, from prefects and house captains to study mentors and liturgy captains. Pupils are trained for these leadership roles and are supported by a link adult. Pupils take their roles seriously and understand the impact these have on their own personal development and self-confidence. They actively seek ways to develop these roles for the benefit of the school community.’

‘Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.‘

On the pupils' wellbeing, the inspectors said

‘Leaders ensure that pupils’ physical health is prioritised through a wide range of sporting activities, and the provision of nutritious food.’
‘Staff are vigilant to any signs of possible concerns relating to pupils’ wellbeing.’
‘Leaders organise boarding time thoughtfully to enable boarders to study, take part in house activities or enjoy free time.’
‘The school’s effective safeguarding procedures are thorough [and] regularly reviewed.’
‘The school follows strict protocols to protect pupils from online harm.’
‘The school provides meals that are balanced, nutritious and varied.’