Private School News

Prior Park College staff and pupils started the new year 2008 with a thrilling sense of satisfaction when Headmaster, Dr Giles Mercer, received the College’s impressive Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report. He declared “After the recent successful Clifton Diocesan Inspection focusing on the faith dimension of the college, the ISI inspection scrutinised the college as a whole and their overall findings give a ringing endorsement of what we do”. He added “The Inspectors highlighted as outstanding – the educational standards achieved by the pupils; the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness; the quality of care for the pupils. Also noted outstanding was the leadership and management, effectively supported by the work of the governing body, which gives clear educational direction, resulting in the very high standards achieved. Inspectors found the quality of teaching, governance and the boarding experience to be good, with the relationships within boarding as excellent.”

The inspection reported the college is highly successful in creating a Catholic Christian education. Pupils grow to be intelligent, self-confident and independent young people, showing strong discipline, with a high level of sensitivity towards the values and the needs of others. Their solid grounding in learning skills is reflected in the excellent levels of attainment in examinations and activities as well as in the high degree of critical and creative ability they show in their work. Effective partnership with parents and worthwhile links with the wider community enrich the provision for pupils’ education. The college is successful in meeting its aims.

The report emphasised the improvements in ICT, with its now extensive provision and use in a number of subject areas, as well as an increased level of technical support. The report supported the areas for development, such as its strategy for the gifted and talented and the sharing of good practice across departments.

Dr Mercer said “I am very proud of the team here at the College who continually strive to meet and improve on the aims of the college. Special thanks should go to all our pupils who create the most positive atmosphere evident each day.”