The Island Free School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2023

Pupils are extremely proud to attend this vibrant, inclusive and happy school. Leaders' vision is to inspire every pupil and to broaden their horizons. Leaders ensure that all pupils study an ambitious curriculum with a strong academic core and rich cultural elements. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well across most subjects. They are also well prepared for future learning. Leaders' expectations of pupils' conduct in and outside the classroom are very high. Leaders have established strong pastoral systems. These nurture excellent relationships between pupils and staff. Staff know the pupils very well. Pupils' behaviour and manners are exemplary. Pupils get on well with each other and incidents of bullying are extremely rare. Staff deal with any bullying effectively. As a result, pupils feel safe in school. Pupils benefit from an impressive enrichment programme. Leaders have developed a wide range of timetabled activities, which provide all pupils with a wealth of new and memorable experiences. These sessions contribute to the school's 'family' feel. They are led by teachers and support staff, and groups include pupils from different years. The programme ensures that each day ends with a hugely positive experience.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not as highly ambitious and effective in some areas as it is in others. Consequently, some pupils do not achieve as well as they could, particularly in key stage 3. Leaders should continue to improve the quality of curriculum planning and implementation across all subjects, in line with the best examples in the school.
• The school's provision for some pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read is not as effective as it could be. As a result, a small number of pupils do not receive the precise support they need to catch up quickly with their peers. Leaders should ensure that provision for the weakest readers improves rapidly, including addressing any gaps in pupils' phonic knowledge.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)