A Glowing ISI Inspection Report for Abbey Gate College
Published on 12th January 2026
We are proud to announce that we have received an excellent report, following our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection. This endorsement comes as we prepare to celebrate 50 years since our original foundation by parents.
Overseen by the Department for Education, the standards against which independent schools are inspected are rigorous, detailed, and very demanding.
Abbey Gate College judged successful in every area in ISI inspection report
We were judged successful in every single area – leadership, education, co-curricular, wellbeing, preparedness for life, contribution to society, facilities, and safeguarding. In addition, the inspectors noted our commitment to nurturing pupils at a personal level, with care and with the kind of relationships and respect that enable them to thrive. This deep-rooted part of our culture was praised for its effectiveness.
Commenting on the report, our Head, Craig Jenkinson, said:
“We are delighted with the report. It is excellent, and it commends highly not only academic progress and learning, but also the profound, authentic care and the inspiring, innovative purpose of our whole College’s educational provision, from Early Years provision right through to Sixth Form.
“As parents and educators, in a fast-evolving world for all our children, we want to prepare them, as well as we can, for the diverse opportunities and challenges they will face in their future lives of the 21st Century. Abbey Gate College’s three pillars of Self, Service, and Sustainability are unique, forward-looking and entirely aligned with this aim. Our inspection report repeatedly praises their strength and impact, in robustly shaping and defining the high-quality education we provide.”
Key comments in the ISI inspection report
“Teaching is well paced and composed, resulting in lessons that are purposeful and calm, enabling pupils to make rapid progress. Pupils benefit from teachers’ subject knowledge and the use of a variety of resources and activities, including skilful questioning. Teachers hold high expectations for the quality of work produced by pupils. Pupils respond with self-motivation and consistent effort.”
“The comprehensive and broad co-curricular programme enriches pupils’ experiences and skill development. It successfully fosters wide participation and enables pupils to pursue new interests.”
“Warm, respectful and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils positively influence behaviour and moral development. Correct behaviour is consistently maintained through clear routines, and a restorative approach is embedded from the early years onwards. These practices create a calm, inclusive environment where relationships thrive.”
“The physical education curriculum is rich, varied, and well resourced, resulting in the acquisition of advanced skills for many pupils.”
“The school has cultivated a strong emphasis on pupils’ responsibility to society through the concept of service. As a result, pupils view service to others as a core aspect of school life, fostering a strong sense of social responsibility.”
“Careers education is well-embedded through a comprehensive curriculum from Year 7, culminating in effective preparation for diverse destinations including degrees, apprenticeships and entrepreneurial ventures. As a result, pupils demonstrate high aspirations and enthusiasm for their future education and career paths.”
To read the report in detail, please visit our Inspection Reports page.
