The Headmaster reflects on the recent ISI Regulatory Compliance Inspection at King's Bruton...

My summary of this first half of term would normally mention all the myriad of academic, music, drama, sport, CCF and other extra-curricular activities that make a King’s Bruton education so vibrant. However, one can get a flavour of all these important activities from our excellent social media, so I would like to conclude this very successful half of term by mentioning the Regulatory Compliance Inspection (RCI) undertaken at King’s by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) at the end of January.

These RCIs are now by no means ‘tick-box’ exercises and several schools have recently struggled to pass all eight of the rigorous standards. The four inspectors drilled into the workings of the School with particular focus on safeguarding, health and safety, staff recruitment checks and pupil welfare. The results of our RCI must remain confidential until ISI publish their report around Easter, but I was delighted that the inspectors were so impressed with King’s.

The inspectors interviewed a wide variety of staff and over 100 pupils whilst reviewing the confidential pupil, staff and parents’ questionnaires. ISI investigated how successfully we have reacted to the issues raised by the Everyone’s Invited website, peer-on-peer abuse (bullying) and Black Lives Matters. We have worked hard to develop our Personal, Social, Health Education alongside our Relationship and Sex Education and both were front and central in the RCI. The School had to assure ISI that we exceeded the National Minimum Standards of Boarding, while I made it clear to the inspectors that we always ensure that day pupils are fully integrated into each of our six Houses. I was pleased that the inspectors remained in school after supper to see the Houses in action during the evening.

It certainly was the most intense inspection in my time as King’s Headmaster, and I am indebted to our excellent staff who prepared so professionally for an inspection that comes with only 2 days’ notice. It is only right that we are inspected so thoroughly by ISI, and it is a testament to the quality of our education that all went so well. 

It certainly was a relief when the inspectors left after two frenetic days. We can look forward with confidence that we are fulfilling our compliance obligations to ensure that we provide King’s pupils with the best possible education. I wish everyone in the King’s community a peaceful and enjoyable Half Term.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster

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