Headteacher ‘incredibly proud’ of inspection outcome at Maidenhead school

A headteacher is ‘incredibly proud’ after inspectors found a Maidenhead school has met all Independent School Standards following its latest inspection.

St Piran’s School is celebrating its positive outcome after four inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) undertook a two-and-a-half-day visit in December 2025.

They observed 67 lessons, held discussions with pupils and staff, and reviewed feedback from parents and the school community during the final week of the Christmas term.

Schools are assessed against a series of core standards under the new ISI inspection framework, and St Piran's was confirmed to have met all of them.

This includes those relating to leadership and governance, quality of education, training, pupils’ physical and mental health and wellbeing, social development, and safeguarding.

Headteacher Sebastian Sales said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of the whole school community.

“Throughout the inspection, they were confident, articulate, kind, and enthusiastic ambassadors for St Piran’s,” he said.

“Their curiosity, sense of purpose, and genuine love of learning shone through in lessons, conversations, and daily school life.”

The independent co-educational day school in Gringer Hill has 442 pupils on roll aged 2 to 11 and was last inspected in November 2022.

Mr Sales said a highlight of the latest report was the inspectors’ recognition of a ‘significant strength’ in the school’s new curriculum.

This is underpinned by the Harmony Project, an accolade awarded to fewer than 15 per cent of schools inspected nationally.

The headteacher described the recognition as ‘especially meaningful’, adding that it reflects the ‘creativity, dedication and professional expertise’ of the teaching staff.

Inspectors noted that leaders had implemented a ‘carefully structured, ambitious curriculum’ and programmes of study extend beyond age-related expectations in the national curriculum.

Governors were described as offering ‘robust oversight through regular engagement with staff and pupils’, helping to build accountability and a positive culture in which pupils thrive.

Inspectors highlighted the way staff are ‘knowledgeable and committed’ and have a ‘deep understanding of their pupils’ needs’, while communicating regularly with parents.

“Teachers set high academic expectations. Teachers demonstrate deep subject knowledge and ask pertinent questions that promote scholarship,” said the report.

“Pupils consistently demonstrate advanced critical thinking, deep learning and notable confidence.”

Across the wider school, inspectors also praised a supportive and inclusive culture which ‘nurtures pupils’ wellbeing’, with core values woven through lessons, assemblies and pastoral support.

Pupils were described as considerate, empathetic and with high levels of resilience, with behaviour ‘of a high standard’ throughout the school.

The report also recognised the school’s emphasis on equality and inclusion from the early years. It said staff and pupils feel valued and respected, while pupils demonstrate pride in their school.

A ‘culture of inclusion and respect permeates the school’, with core values shaping daily practices such as assemblies, PSHE lessons and form time, according to the report.

Inspectors issued a recommended next step, as required under the inspection framework.

This relates to a technical point within recruitment procedures: the school must ensure protocols for verifying the origins of references for new staff are consistently applied and associated records are systematically checked.

The school said this issue was fully addressed before the inspection concluded.

Mr Sales said the report recognises leadership at all levels across the school, not solely the senior leadership team.

“Strong leadership is evident throughout St Piran’s, and this collective approach has been clearly recognised,” he said.

He thanked parents for their engagement and support during the inspection process, describing their contributions as overwhelmingly positive and invaluable.

He also expressed his gratitude to Chair of Governors Kate Taylor and the governing board for their ‘support and guidance’.