LSE ‘exceeds expectations’ in recent ISI inspection

In October 2011 we were inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). We are proud to announce that we achieved the highest of standards in all areas of the inspection which were: 

• The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners achievement
• Students’ welfare including health and safety
• The effectiveness of governance and management 

The executive summary of that inspection is as follows:
The London School of English exceeds expectations. It delivers a very high level of educational provision to its students. The school offers a wide range of high quality courses that are extremely effective in supporting students’ skills development and enabling them to progress in their future careers and further studies. The courses offered are specifically tailored to meet learners’ individual needs. Course participation is very high and most students complete their programmes successfully. The curriculum is flexible and innovative although banks of learning materials are not monitored consistently across all courses. As a result, course materials and the delivery of some new courses are sometimes variable. The quality of teaching and learning at the school exceeds expectations. Learning activities are well planned and excellent use is made of resources to support and promote learning. Students are extremely well motivated. As a result there are outstanding success rates on many of the courses. However, there is still scope for improvements in the assessment of work. 

The school provides an excellent environment for students and staff, with high quality facilities. These provide a comfortable environment which supports learning. The premises have recently received significant investment and extensive refurbishment, carried out to a very good standard and with health and safety factors taking a high profile. There is an excellent range of health and safety policies and procedures in place which are effectively implemented. Attendance is rigorously monitored and attendance and enrolment data are systematically recorded on the school’s customised database. Pastoral support is excellent and students feel they are well supported in their studies and in their progression to further study. The programmes of learning as well as the leisure programme are thoughtfully targeted to their interests, needs and aspirations. Students reported that they generally receive excellent support, both inside and outside the classroom. They praised the friendly atmosphere of the school and feel happy to approach staff if they have a problem. Inspectors agree with their views. 

The leadership and management of the school exceed expectations. The senior leadership team is closely involved in the running of the school and there is a caring approach to staff and students which permeates throughout the school from the top. There is an effective management structure which ensures that courses run effectively. Day-to-day responsibility of the curriculum is usefully shared between two course managers. Staff are well qualified and experienced and are supported by a strong focus on continuing personal development. Quality assurance is prioritised. There is a good range of effective mechanisms to monitor quality including a high level of very positive feedback from students at all stages of their school experience. However, the arrangements for carrying out pre-appointment checks on staff have not always been applied as rigorously as they should as sometimes staff have started work before the checks have been finalised. 

Click here to read the full inspection report from October 2011