Private School News

HIGH PRAISE FOR BOARDING AT BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE

The independent day and boarding school in Bishop’s Stortford has passed an inspection of its boarding provision with flying colours.

Ofsted inspectors say that Bishop’s Stortford College, a co-educational school for four to eighteen year olds, offers ‘much added value’ with boarders enjoying ‘the true essence of boarding which allows them outstanding personal achievement’ as well as access to an extensive range of activities and facilities.

In their latest report, which has just been published following an inspection in February, the Ofsted team concluded that the provision for the 235 boarders aged between eight and eighteen is good with outstanding features. The document highlights the dedication and commitment of the staff who help both the full boarders and flexi-boarders to ‘develop potential in all areas of school life’ and ‘feel supported and valued as part of the community’.

The inspectors praise the exemplary behaviour of the girls and boys and commend the ‘welcoming, caring and supportive environment’ in which the boarders are ‘courteous, respectful and take responsibility for their actions’.

The College is rated as outstanding in securing boarders’ views and encouraging them to make a positive contribution to all aspects of College life with boarders ‘confident that their points of view will be listened to and acted upon’. The report confirms that the College looks after its boarders well with an outstanding induction programme for new boarders, good accommodation, a highly accomplished health and safety programme, an excellent medical centre and a good range of healthy foods.

According to Ofsted, the promotion of equality and diversity is good, with one boarder quoted in the report as saying, “I can proudly say that the College is the best centre for fun and excellence not just in the UK but on an international scale also.” Inspectors commend the College’s flexible approach to boarding, noting that it ‘widens the access of the boarding provision to day pupils and enhances the experience for the boarders who enjoy the company of a wider range of pupils’.

The single recommendation made at the last inspection in 2006, to improve access to communication in the Junior School boarding house, has been fully addressed, whilst the one recommendation made in the latest report, to improve the quality of evening meals, is an area that the College is already working on through its active catering committee of boarders and staff.

Headmaster John Trotman said: “The inspection process is intense with all the paperwork scrutinised and staff, boarders and their parents questioned about every aspect of boarding life. We work incredibly hard to provide affordable excellence and I am absolutely delighted that the high quality experience enjoyed by our boarders is endorsed so positively by the inspectors.”