INSPECTION REPORT 2026
A significant strength of the school is the way in which leaders integrate high-performing choristers and musicians fully into school life, and in doing so, make a substantial contribution to the school’s ethos, the wider curriculum and the overall experience of pupils from nursery through to sixth form. Those who do not study music as a specialism gain considerably from working alongside these musicians during lessons and when taking part in the creative arts, including the school’s very wide range of productions. Through these experiences, pupils encounter high expectations, disciplined rehearsal processes and outstanding performances, which raise aspirations and enhance the intellectual, spiritual, personal, social and emotional development of all groups of pupils.
~ Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) 2026
What is an inspection?
Schools are to undergo routine inspections by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) every three years. Wells Cathedral School was inspected by ISI in April 2026, with our previous inspection being carried out in April 2023.
ISI introduced Significant Strengths as part of their new framework following the removal of one word ‘judgements’ used under the previous inspection framework (we received ‘Excellent’ judgements in the two inspection areas in 2023).
Schools are inspected under the following sections:
Section 1: Leadership and management, and governance
Section 2: Quality of education, training and recreation
Section 3: Pupils’ physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing
Section 4: Pupils social and economic education and contribution to society
Safeguarding
In each area, Inspectors make a headline judgement of either met or not met.
The School was found to have met all of these standards.
In reaching their judgements, the inspectors took into account a whole range of evidence from all aspects of the School. They conducted formal interviews with pupils and staff, and samples of pupils’ work from all age ranges (2-19) were scrutinised. Questionnaires from pupils, parents and staff were analysed, and there was a thorough scrutiny of our policies and documentation.
Pupils are well equipped for life in modern British society. From the early years, they develop confident oracy skills that enable them to listen carefully and communicate with assurance. Across the school, pupil leaders take on a wide range of responsibilities that contribute positively to the school community, the local area and the wider world.
~ Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) 2026
ISI’s Key Findings
Awarded a Significant Strength for the quality of music and the positive influence its excellence has on on every single pupil in the School.
This Significant Strength recognises the quality of our musical provision, but most hearteningly it also recognises the positive impact that our musical excellence has on every single pupil in the School. Inspectors have identified how our whole school creative culture benefits every child, whether they are musical or not, in terms of how we enhance everyone’s educational experience, and raise their aspirations and levels of attainment.
All ISI inspection standards were met
The report includes so very many heartening things, but to quote just a few:
…pupils encounter high expectations, disciplined rehearsal processes and outstanding performances, which raise aspirations and enhance the intellectual, spiritual, personal, social and emotional development of all groups of pupils.
Across the school, pupil leaders take on a wide range of responsibilities that contribute positively to the school community, the local area and the wider world.”
The school has a comprehensive framework for assessments across all
stages and subjects…At the end of the prep school and by the time they leave, all groups of pupils make good progress from their starting points. GCSE and A-level results are consistently well above national averages, particularly in the higher grades.”
Co-curricular provision is extensive, enhancing pupils’ wider development and enriching their learning experience.”
The co-curriculum provides pupils with a range of opportunities that enable them to develop knowledge, skills and relationships beyond the classroom…boarders benefit from additional access to evening and weekend activities, including inter-house events, outdoor pursuits, use of the school’s sports and music facilities, trips, shared meals and social activities within the boarding houses.”
Spiritual understanding and the development of self-knowledge are nurtured deeply throughout the school….Across the curriculum, teachers create meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore profound questions, such as what it means to live a good life or how people find purpose.”
Pupil school leaders inspire the school community to support a variety of charities….play[ing] a substantial role in nurturing pupils’ compassion, global awareness and commitment to social responsibility.”
