Chigwell School Achieves “Significant Strength” in latest ISI Inspection
We are particularly proud to announce the findings of our recent ISI inspection, which confirms that not only we met all required standards across every area, but we also achieved a significant strength.
Our Significant Strength
The inspectors described it: “
The development of wellbeing and extensive co-curricular and student leadership programmes, which work cohesively together, promote a strong sense of community and belongings among pupils, based on trust and mutual respect.”
Some further notable highlights across a number or key areas recognising our outstanding provision are:
Wellbeing plays a central role
Inspectors recognised Chigwell’s unwavering focus on pupil wellbeing:
- “Leaders place pupils’ wellbeing at the centre of their work. They provide effective pastoral provision alongside a broad and balanced curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities to meet individual pupils’ needs.”
- “Leaders create a warm and inclusive culture characterised by mutual respect, support and kindness.”
Academic Excellence
The quality of teaching and learning was also praised very strongly:
- “The positive relationships between pupils and staff promote independence and confidence, enabling pupils to take risks that support their overall academic progress.”
- “Pupils benefit from a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that promotes academic achievement alongside personal development in intellectual, aesthetic, creative and physical fields.”
A Rich Co-Curricular Experience
An extensive range of activities supports pupils’ personal growth:
- “Pupils pursue a wide range of co-curricular activities and develop a range of skills, greater confidence and self-esteem and learn to work collaboratively.”
- “Pupils benefit from a wide range of leadership opportunities.” “These opportunities develop pupils’ leadership skills and promote a culture of service and social responsibility.”
Strong Leadership and Community
Leadership across the School was recognised as a key strength:
- “Governors and leaders manifest clear strategic intent and a culture of high professional confidence.
- “Leaders foster a supportive community, an adventurous spirit and an inclusive ethos that embodies the school’s values of happiness, courage and resilience, an innovative approach, kindness and lifelong learning.”
The Head, Damian King commented: 'This excellent report reflects the dedication of the whole Chigwell School community and reinforces our mission to deliver an education that is academically ambitious, values-led and centred on the whole child, supporting them to become the citizens of tomorrow who will "Find a Way or Make a Way".'
June 2026