Inspection reports

Great Walstead is inspected in several different ways:

Independent schools inspectorate
This looks at the overall standards within the school. Our most recent report was in 2006 and it concluded that “Great Walstead is a purposeful school with many strengths, which successfully fulfils all its stated aims….The school provides a happy environment within a Christian ethic, in which pupils succeed well over a wide range of activities. Pupils develop exceptional relationships between themselves and with their teachers…Teachers are well qualified, and highly committed to valuing each pupil as an individual….The location of the school, its grounds, buildings and facilities are of high quality, and contribute substantially to pupils’ achievements and personal development.”

OFSTED inspection
The report for the early years provision covers three and four year olds in the Nursery and Reception classes. Our most recent report was in 2008 and the school achieved an “outstanding” grading in all the aspects reported: helping children to achieve well and enjoy what they do, helping children make a positive contribution. This achievement led the school to being awarded the accolade of an “Ofsted Outstanding School 2007/2008”, the only private nursery/prep school in West Sussex to achieve this distinction.

OFSTED social care inspection
This happens every three years for every boarding school although its remit extends beyond boarding to all aspects of the school’s pastoral provision. Our latest inspection was in 2009 and concluded that our overall provision is very strong and in two of the six categories Great Walstead was rated outstanding: “pupils making a positive contribution” and “enjoying and achieving”. The lead inspector told the school that he had never given outstanding in these two areas before in his time inspecting boarding schools.

Each of these reports can be downloaded below.