In March 2009 the Independent Schools Inspectorate spent a week with us and examined closely all areas of Normanhurst.  Although somewhat arduous for the staff, this process provides us with a useful evaluation of current practice through a snapshot of the School as seen through independent, unbiased eyes.

The very positive tone of the report reflects the impressions that the majority of our pupils and parents have of Normanhurst.  You will find numerous comments that support and acknowledge the many positive achievements the School has made in recent years.  Some that are particularly worth noting are as follows:

• The school provides a good range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities
• The school accomplishes successfully its aim of providing a balanced and fulfilling education
• The academic curriculum is broad and well balanced and offers a stimulating range of opportunities
• Pupils are involved in a wide range of activities outside the classroom
• Those pupils identified as having learning difficulties benefit from very good provision
• Teaching assistants are used to good effect to support pupils’ learning
• In both the junior and senior school, achievements are good in a wide range of accomplishments
• The school is successful in promoting both individual and group participation
• A sense of community is evident throughout the school with a supportive quality of relationships
• Pupils have a well-developed moral sense from an early age
• Tolerance and respect are the norm among pupils at every stage of the school
• Teaching enables pupils of all abilities to acquire new knowledge and make good progress
• Relationships between teachers and pupils are excellent
• The care that staff devote to the well-being of pupils is an outstanding feature of the school’s provision
• The staff provide excellent support and guidance for all pupils
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal, aids effectiveness
• School policies and procedures are effective in promoting good discipline and behaviour
• School meals are of a good quality and lunches provide a range of healthy food
• The school has, overall, developed a strong partnership with parents
• The quality of leadership and management is good at all levels of the school
• Good quality leadership and educational direction are provided by the school’s senior staff
• At all levels the school has been effective in securing good quality staff

At Normanhurst we continue to strive for the best education for our pupils, and we’re confident that we will be able to build on this report and take Normanhurst to an even higher phase in its continuing development.