INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE - Radley College

Radley College 18
5. CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Overall Conclusions
5.1 The college is markedly successful in the education it provides. The pupils’ academic
achievements are very high and their personal development is excellent, supported by the
community experience of boarding life. Pupils are welcoming, polite and articulate, full of
enthusiasm and commitment and clearly enjoying their school life. The questionnaire
responses from the parents very strongly supported the ethos of the college and its ability to
develop a high level of learning in a wide range of boys. The quality of pastoral care is
outstanding and the academic curriculum is highly effective. The wider curriculum offers an
excellent range of activities. The college benefits from strong and sensitive leadership and
management, the high quality of the teaching, and the commitment and dedication of hardworking
staff. Pupils certainly feel that the staff make the college what it is and are at the
heart of the college’s success.
5.2 The college has improved significantly since its last inspection in 2002. A detailed
development plan is now in place, and the programme of professional development for
teachers has been enhanced and linked to appraisal. Monitoring has been further developed
to improve prefect training, the PSHE programme, the CCF and consistency of practice
between the houses. Achievement is higher and there are more areas of excellence in the
education provided. The two recommended actions of the last report by the Commission for
Social Care Inspection in November 2006 have been responded to appropriately by the
college, indicative of its strength in evaluating issues and taking the necessary action to
improve its provision.
5.3 The school meets all the regulatory requirements.
Next Steps
5.4 The college has no major weaknesses. However, to achieve further improvement in the
education it provides it should:
1. continue the development of teaching strategies and use of excellent resources to
develop further pupils’ skills in thinking and researching for themselves.
5.5 No action is required in respect of regulatory requirements.