Inspection Reports
As an independent Catholic school, we are regularly evaluated by two distinct regulatory bodies: the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which assesses overall educational quality and regulatory compliance, and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI), which evaluates our identity and mission as a Catholic community. Together, these reports offer a transparent benchmark of our school’s provision.
Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) Report
We are exceptionally proud to share the findings of our latest (2026) Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection. Demonstrating the highest level of educational and spiritual success, St Ambrose achieved Grade 1 (Outstanding) marks across every single area of evaluation.
The inspectors noted that our Headteacher and senior leaders provide authentic, inspirational leadership and hold a clear vision for the school.
They observed that the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice completely permeates all aspects of our school’s life, profoundly shaping our pupils’ moral and spiritual development.
The report commented on our pupils very keen sense of social justice and recognise their responsibility to be advocates for change. This is supported by consistently high-quality teaching, our pupils’ exceptional behaviour and enthusiasm for Religious Education, and the rich, imaginative opportunities provided for daily prayer and liturgy. The report confirms that St Ambrose remains fully compliant with all national and diocesan guidelines while delivering an exceptional standard of Catholic education.
Download the Full CSI Inspection Report (PDF) 2026
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Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report
As a member of the Independent Schools Association, our academic standards, pastoral care, and operational compliance are routinely inspected by the ISI.
View the most recent Official ISI Inspection Report 2023
Historical ISI Inspection reports:
Comments from ISI Education Quality Report March 2019
“The quality of the pupils’ academics and other achievements is excellent.”
“Pupil attainment is above the national norms for their age group. the majority of leavers across examinations to enter academically competitive senior schools.”
“Pupils have excellent reasoning skills and are persistent in applying them.”
“The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.”
“Pupils’ spiritual understanding and appreciation of the non-material aspects of life are outstanding.”
“Pupils display a very high level of self-esteem and self discipline.”
“Pupils social awareness is very well developed.”
Inspectors Quotes:
“The boys are unfailingly polite in the most natural way.”
“Pupils make very good progress throughout the school. in some cases, particularly for pupils who have recently joined the school, progress has been notably rapid in relation to pupils of a similar ability.”
“Excellent progression in attainment was observed in pupils exercise books and in very effective, and often sophisticated, wall displays.”
“Pupils rapidly develop communication skills; they are able to express themselves and their ideas with fluidity and panache.”
“Pupils’ talents are nurtured by committed teaching and it is evident that a collaborative, positive atmosphere contributes to pupils confidence to achieve as strongly as they do.”
“Pupils are attentive in lessons and as a result, produce work of high quality consistently, both individually, and in collaboration with others.”
“Pupils speak with great confidence and have a humble self assuredness.”
“Pupils outstanding self esteem is developed through the staff’s high, effective use of praise and encouragement.“
“The ethos of the school fosters self-esteem and self-discipline, which is abundantly evident with pupils understanding and expression of their emotions.”
