ISI Report Summary 2025

ISI Inspection Report 2025 Highlights

It is a great pleasure to share the findings from our most recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which reflect the exceptional quality of education and care we offer here at Merchant Taylors’ School. The inspection took place just before Half Term, with the ISI team spending several days immersed in school life. I am especially proud that they recognised the strength of our academic provision, the expertise and dedication of our teaching staff, and the genuine warmth of our pastoral care. The report speaks clearly to the commitment we all share in helping every boy thrive, and to the strong sense of purpose and kindness that define daily life at Taylors’. A heartfelt thank you to our staff, governors, parents and pupils - not just for their support during the inspection, but for everything they do to make this such a vibrant, welcoming and aspirational community. The report is a wonderful reflection of that shared effort. Simon Everson Head Master What is the ISI? A Word from the Head Master

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is appointed by the Department for Education to inspect association independent schools in England. Its inspections evaluate whether schools meet the statutory Independent School Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements. The process involves a thorough assessment of many aspects of school life, with a particular focus on the quality of education and the wellbeing of pupils. A new inspection framework was introduced in September 2023, marking a significant departure from the previous model. Under this updated approach, ISI no longer provides single-word judgements such as ‘excellent’. Instead, it determines whether a school has ‘met’ or ‘not met’ the standards across five key areas.

This Summary highlights the key findings from their visit. The full report is available on our website.

Contents

Leadership, Management & Governance:

Quality of Education, Training & Recreation:

Pupils’ Physical & Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing:

Pupils’ Social & Economic Education & Contribution to Society:

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Summary of Inspection Findings

“ Leaders place pupils’ wellbeing at the core of their decision making. They identify and respond effectively to contextual risks and successfully foster a culture of high expectations rooted in

kindness and mutual respect.” ISI School Inspection Report 2025

“Leaders have established a rich and ambitious curriculum that supports pupils’ academic progress and aligns with the school’s aims.” “Leaders promote meaningful service and volunteering, encouraging pupils to act responsibly and contribute positively to the community.” “Leaders prioritise pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing through a culture of care and mutual respect.”

The Process

A team of eight inspectors visited Merchant Taylors’ for two and a half days.

Their activities included:

Observing lessons, clubs, registrations and assemblies Meeting the Chair of Governors and Head Master Speaking with teachers, school leaders and support staff Talking to pupils across different year groups Visiting learning support and sport facilities Inspectors gathered views from across the community - including staff, parents and, most importantly, pupils - to inform their findings. These insights were then brought together in the final report.

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Leadership, Management, & Governance

“Leaders have thoughtfully reorganised the curriculum to support pupils’ wellbeing... Leaders have crafted written grade descriptors for assessment outcomes, the wording of which balances praise for high achievement with a check on the pupils’ welfare in the

context of such high attainment.” ISI School Inspection Report 2025

“They have established a positive culture that sets high expectations, celebrates achievement and values kindness...” “They consistently adopt a collegiate approach with the broader staff body and develop opportunities for staff to audit and expand their skills. Leaders ensure teachers recieve regular training and encounter a range of different pedagogical approaches to maintain the consistent effectiveness of teaching. ” “Leaders ensure that parents are well informed about their child’s progress. Parents regularly receive information about their child’s attainment, effort and conduct.”

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Quality of Education, Training & Recreation “ The rounded and challenging curriculum is designed effectively to engage pupils’ interests, foster their curiosity and inform teaching that promotes their skills, knowledge and understanding across the range of disciplines.” “Teachers skillfully respond to pupils’ questions and use dialogue to help advance pupils’ knowledge and understanding.” “The School provides a rich, varied and stimulating range of enrichment and recreation options. This provision enables pupils to pursue and extend their interests and skills through a wide array of sporting activities, clubs and a range of academic societies.”

“Teachers engage pupils through effective use of a range of high-quality resources, such as appropriate artefacts that reflect historical periods of development in civilisation.”

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Pupils’ Physical & Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

“Leaders support pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing effectively, including through the promotion of a culture of positivity and encouragement and much pastoral support.” ISI School Inspection Report 2025

“Leaders celebrate and reward good behaviour. Staff consistently model respectful behaviour that engenders trust. As a consequence, pupils reflect leaders’ high expectations in their conduct.” “There are opportunities for discussion of moral and spritual issues throughout the curriculum, such as through the well-structured and comprehensive programme for PSHE education.”

Other ways we support our boys The ISI noted the many ways we help our boys thrive - academically, socially and emotionally - while ensuring they are supported and never overwhelmed. These include: Access to counsellors when required The “Student Voice” app for raising concerns Meditation clubs and dedicated wellbeing sessions in PSHE Student-led conferences focusing on themes of mental health Access to quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation

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Pupils’ Social & Economic Education & Contribution to Society

“Pupils undertake much work on their own initiative with a national charity which brings together disabled and non disabled children.” ISI School Inspection Report 2025 Values “Pupils develop a mature understanding of the importance of respecting differing political views as part of

Phab week 2025

Careers “A specialist team provides up-to-date and well-informed advice about possible future

Economics “The School provides a suitable economic education that equips pupils with knowledge and skills to enable them to make well considered decisions about personal finance.”

choices, including higher education options and degree apprenticeships.”

life in a democratic society and express their diverging views respectfully.”

“Pupils consistently exhibit clear

understanding of right and wrong in their daily interactions, upholding the School’s values of kindness and respect.”

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