New ISI Report names Trinity’s community a ‘significant strength’

We have received the official report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following the inspection in November 2024, with high standards met across all aspects of school life.

We are especially proud to have received a ‘significant strength’ for our community, an important part of what we think makes Trinity so special. Inspectors recognised that this is an exceptional part of our school, which has a “clear, demonstrable and highly beneficial impact for pupils”. The report states that “pupils’ interaction with, and support of the local community, alongside their commitment to their own community” helps them “develop highly beneficial life skills [including] a deep sense of social responsibility, cultural insight and leadership.”

Our aim has always been to nurture extraordinary young people, shaping them through a culture of strong values and helping them to develop a love of learning that will lead them to exciting futures. We were pleased that the inspectors recognised that our “emphasis is on building the whole child, starting in Junior Year”.

The report also recognised the “inclusive and collaborative culture within the school” and the “atmosphere of warmth, friendliness and teamwork…that supports pupils’ well-being.” The inspectors observed that “students celebrate each other’s differences and are actively inclusive” and that “students are encouraged to be the best versions of themselves.”

Mr Kennedy, Headmaster, said, “We are really pleased with the result of the recent inspection. The strength of the community within the school, and our connections with those outside, are very significant in shaping the experience of our students – to have this recognised as a significant strength means a lot to us. We are grateful to all parents for their overwhelmingly positive response to the inspection questionnaires and to staff and students for being themselves throughout the process.”

A team of nine from the ISI visited Trinity between 26-28 November 2024, observing lessons, registrations and co-curricular activities. The inspectors also: met with the chair and governors, the Headmaster, Senior Management Team (SMT), teachers, support staff and students; scrutinised students’ work and school policies; and surveyed students, staff and parents as part of the inspection.

The ISI Report 2024 highlights include:

Academic

• “Well-planned curriculum which is taught and delivered consistently effectively”, where “in lessons, pupils are highly engaged, keen to learn and behave well.”
• “Pupils display a positive attitude to learning, are highly motivated, and take responsibility for their own learning.”
• “Curriculum initiatives, for example, the Trinity Diploma, further develop pupils’ communication and independent learning skills…These include sustained intellectual curiosity and leadership skills, and a sophisticated social awareness.”

Co-curricular

• “An extensive and diverse co-curricular programme that complements the curriculum” which helps “pupils develop physical and emotional skills and self-confidence, as well as expanding their own interests and independence.”

Pastoral

• “An effective pastoral care programme supports pupils’ emotional wellbeing and encourages them to be resilient and confident individuals.” 
• “The ‘personal development programme’…explores a range of suitable topics [and] equips pupils with a sophisticated understanding and respect for difference and diversity.”
• “The effective PHSE programme…contributes to pupils’ development of an informed moral compass and understanding of right and wrong.”

Community

• “All pupils are provided with a platform to develop highly beneficial life skills, for example, a deep sense of social responsibility, cultural insight, and leadership.” 
• “Pupils gain a substantial sense of service to others through leaders’ active promotion of their support for the wider community, evidenced through the Trinity Diploma for the Sixth Form, co-curricular opportunities and the Trinity Primary Partnership programme.”

Safeguarding

• “Safeguarding arrangements are effective and there is a well-embedded safeguarding culture across the school.”

To read the full report, click here 

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The Independent Schools Inspectorate is appointed by the Department for Education to inspect association independent schools in England. The inspections report on the extent to which the statutory Independent School Standards and other applicable regulatory requirements are met.

Photographs @ Simon Stacpoole