Inspection Reports

I am delighted to inform you that the feedback from pupil, parent and staff questionnaires was once again fantastic.  I was so proud of the 96% ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’ response from parents, and pupils and staff were equally positive and supportive in their feedback, with over 90% scores.  It was so heartening to see and hear that all three groups within our community value and appreciate everything the school offers, whether academically or pastorally.

Please see below some of the specific and positive feedback we received, from across all of the Sections in our latest ISI Report:

The school’s trips programme ‘enhance[s] pupils’ learning and development across the curriculum.’

We were commended on our ‘varied and well-planned activity programme [Soft Start] at the beginning of the day.’

‘Leaders consistently promote activities to build pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem.’

Children have ‘wide and varied opportunities to develop their leadership skills by taking on appropriate duties and responsibilities.’

‘Pupils have a clear sense of right and wrong. Teachers trust pupils to behave well and they rise to these high expectations.’

‘Leaders implement an appropriate behaviour policy and have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour.’

‘Pupils feel safe in school.’

‘Leaders have designed a broad and challenging curriculum.  Teachers have secure subject knowledge and enable pupils to learn and make good progress.’ 

‘Teachers have high expectations for pupils.’ 

 

---

Inspection report september 2021I could not have been more pleased with the outcome of our most recent ISI inspection, which makes clear that we are successfully doing what we say we do. Dolphin School really does provide a wonderful and unique all-round education for our boys and girls!

 

The findings of the EQI Report are as follows:

3.1 - The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent

3.2 - The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent

It is the aim of any school to achieve excellent in both categories. I would like to draw your attention to the following highlights under the two headings, as I think these accurately reflect what a Dolphin education is about, and tease out what is so special about this school:

3.1

"Pupils are eager to learn and they make excellent progress across all areas of the curriculum.”

“…they are highly articulate and confident.”

“Pupils’ attitudes to learning are exceptional… .”

“At all ages, pupils are enthusiastic about their studies and talk with gratitude of the support and encouragement they are given by their teachers.”

“Pupils have outstanding speaking skills. From the earliest years they are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas.”

3.2

“Pupils are very well prepared for the next stage of their lives and as they prepare to move on to their next schools.”

“Pupils have a deep appreciation of the non-material aspects of life, nurtured from their earliest years in the woodland environment of the school and frequent reflection they experience in lessons and activities.”

“From an early age, pupils demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong.”

“Pupils new to the school talked of how they were welcomed and quickly made to feel at home.”

“Pupils delight in making a significant contribution to the school.”

“Pupils demonstrate deep respect for others.”

- Adam Hurst, Headmaster