Yarrells School Recognised for Significant Strength in ISI Inspection

Outstanding ISI Feedback for Yarrells School

Inspectors recognise a significant strength in depth of knowledge and understanding

We are proud to share the exceptionally positive feedback from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visit, led by Jonathan Brough, in October 2025.

Inspectors found that all areas were met, with Yarrells identified as having a significant strength in depth of knowledge and greater understanding — a distinction that places the school amongst the very best in the country for the quality of its teaching and learning.

What Does “Significant Strength” Mean?

Under the ISI framework, a significant strength is an area of exceptional quality — one that exceeds expectations and stands out as a model of excellent practice.

For Yarrells, this recognition in Teaching, Learning and the Curriculum means that inspectors found exceptional depth, creativity and understanding across the school. Pupils are not only acquiring knowledge; they are thinking deeply, questioning intelligently and applying their learning with confidence and independence.

In ISI terms, this is a highly prestigious outcome, reflecting teaching of outstanding quality and a curriculum that fosters exceptional intellectual and personal growth.

Inspirational Leadership

Inspectors praised the clarity of vision, strong collaboration and reflective practice of the leadership team and governors.

“Leadership and governance at Yarrells are dynamic, forward-looking and deeply collaborative”

Governors were recognised as “thoughtful critical friends” who provide both challenge and support through effective subcommittees.

The report also commended the shared focus on wellbeing:

“Wellbeing is a shared priority across the school, and the Yarrells Core Values are clearly embedded from the earliest stages of education”

A Rich, Inclusive and Inspiring Curriculum

Inspectors praised the way learning at Yarrells goes beyond the classroom, combining intellectual rigour with creativity, exploration and personal growth.

“The curriculum is rich, inclusive and inspiring. It combines strong academic foundations with outdoor and environmental learning, fostering curiosity and independence”

“Pupils undertake individual projects and research that deepen their understanding, and they present their ideas with confidence and authenticity”

Lessons were described as purposeful, engaging and appropriately challenging, with all pupils making good progress.

The Early Years Foundation Stage was highlighted as “particularly effective”, and the new phonics programme was said to be “having a significant positive impact”.

“The Arts continue to develop expressive, confident performers”

This depth and balance — from phonics to performance, from outdoor learning to academic challenge — directly underpin the significant strength identified by inspectors.

Personal Development and Wellbeing

The inspection highlighted Yarrells’ nurturing ethos and the strength of its pastoral care:

“Pupils at Yarrells show deep respect for one another and an appreciation of difference. They demonstrate empathy, gratitude and reflection, supported by a strong sense of spiritual and emotional wellbeing”

Positive mental health and self-esteem were seen as central to the Yarrells experience:

“Positive mental health is prioritised, with pupils showing confidence, self-knowledge and self-esteem”

Inspectors also noted that pupils take an active role in school life through initiatives such as the Pupil Parliament, developing a sense of responsibility and citizenship.

“Strong PSHE and RSE provision supports personal growth and responsibility”

Vibrant and Inclusive Community

Inspectors found a strong sense of belonging, with pupils who listen attentively, value different viewpoints and express opinions with courtesy and respect.

“The culture of Yarrells is vibrant and inclusive”

“Fundamental British Values are embedded across the curriculum, and pupils express their opinions with courtesy and consideration”

Community engagement was also praised:

“Through projects such as the gardening club and food bank fundraising, pupils gain practical understanding of social responsibility and economic awareness”

Safeguarding and Care

Inspectors confirmed that Yarrells’ safeguarding culture is exemplary. Policies and procedures are robust and regularly updated, with ongoing training for all staff. Pupils are taught to stay safe online, supported by strong filtering and monitoring systems.

“Safeguarding is central to school life and culture”

“The staff team is confident, well-trained and fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of care”

“Pupil wellbeing remains at the heart of the community”

A Shared Achievement

This is a truly exceptional result — one that reflects the commitment, expertise and care of our staff, the support of our governors and parents, and the enthusiasm and curiosity of our pupils.

“Yarrells has been identified as having a significant strength in depth of knowledge and greater understanding… the school community should be extremely proud of the outcome”

We are immensely proud that the ISI has recognised Yarrells for the exceptional depth of its teaching and learning, and for the strength of community that underpins every child’s success.

Click the link below to read the report in full:

Yarrells ISI Report 2025