Inspection results

Ensuring academic and pastoral excellence

In the final weeks of the 2024 summer term, we welcomed an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) team to Orley Farm School.

We are proud to share some of many highlights from their report:

Academic key findings:

• The wide-ranging curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge and independence, enabling pupils to gain places at the senior schools of their choice. Pupils develop their understanding across a broad range of subjects and apply their problem-solving skills successfully.

• Children in Reception make rapid progress because the curriculum is broad and very well matched to their interests. Curriculum plans include all areas of learning. Staff use careful observations of children learning alongside ongoing assessments to ensure teaching and children’s next steps are purposeful and engaging.

• Across the rest of the school, pupils are highly articulate and use language precisely to communicate their point. In English lessons, Year 7 pupils express a nuanced and mature interpretation of poetry text and Shakespeare.

• Pupils are motivated and keen to do well.  Pupils build on their independent learning skills and they are encouraged to take part in research projects including ‘Quest’ in Year 6, which they present to their peers and parents.

• Pupils apply effort in lessons and pupils of all abilities, including those who have SEND, respond conscientiously to feedback. Pupils are keen to improve their work. Written work and creative pieces in art, technology, music and drama are thoughtful and detailed. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their achievements across the curriculum.

Pastoral key findings:

• Pupils enjoy positive relationships with each other.  There is a strong sense of inclusivity and mutual respect throughout the school because leaders and staff successfully support pupils’ well being and promote school values. Pupils are kind and forgiving.  They try to be their best selves. 

• There are robust systems in place throughout the school to promote a culture of safeguarding to minimize the risk of harm and to deal effectively with any pastoral concerns.  Pupils and staff understand these systems well.

• Pupils feel safe in school and readily identify the many adults they can talk to, including the school counsellor, well being lead and senior leaders. Throughout the school pupils understand the significance of the ‘Who to turn to on a rainy day’ umbrella and they readily talk to others when they face difficulties. Leaders listen and respond to pupils’ concerns for example the possible impact of exams on pupils’ emotional well being. 

• Pupils behave very well. They are considerate to their peers and to the adults in school because they understand leaders’ high expectations.  Pupils are self-reflective and consider the impact of their behaviour on others.  Instances of poor behaviour are rare.  Leaders and staff are quick to support pupils to reflect on their actions and make the right choices. 

• The anti-bullying strategy is understood well by staff and pupils. Incidents of bullying are rare because pupils raise friendship and behaviour concerns at an early stage. Pastoral leaders listen and provide strategies to support pupils to resolve friendship difficulties. Pupils are supervised effectively at breaks and lunchtimes by members of staff who know them well and encourage collaborative play. 

Co-Curricular key findings:

• Pupils develop life skills through their participation in the ‘Edge’ programme. This programme equips pupils with an understanding of the world, workplace skills, and practical skills like how to repair a bicycle. Pupils understand the importance of these opportunities alongside their academic work. 

• Pupils actively participate in sports and extra-curricular activities, as well as sporting fixtures and competitions. Pupils value the ‘hobbies’ run by teachers which they can pursue, including art, robotics, music and drama. 

• Many pupils take part in the extensive extra-curricular programme. This supports pupils to develop their sporting, musical, technological and creative skills well. Events such as ‘expeditions week’ and residential trips enrich pupils’ educational experience by providing opportunities to learn new skills and rise to challenges outside of the classroom.

• Pupils are well connected with their locality and participate in a number of local events and partnerships, including with a specialist school for pupils who have SEND and with a nearby sixth form college. The school’s many links, for example with a football club and local charities, foster pupils’ social development. Pupils develop an understanding of fundraising and can reflect on the positive impact charities have on people’s lives. 

• Beyond the classroom, the school aims to develop individual and collaborative interests, fuelling enthusiasm for learning and offering future life choices.