A SCHOOL has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate following a two-day visit in December.

The focus of the inspection at Sedbergh School in Cumbria, which has a significant number of pupils from the North-East, was boarding and pastoral welfare.

Four inspectors spoke to boarders, senior members of staff and met with the chair of governors, as well as observing a sample of extra-curricular activities and registration sessions.

Visits to each boarding house and to the facilities for sick or injured pupils formed part of the inspection and parents and boarding pupils completed a pre-inspection survey.

Inspectors found that the merger with Casterton School in September 2013, and the new site for Sedbergh Preparatory School, had released space for the growth of the senior school, including the construction of a new girls’ boarding house.

Since the last boarding inspection, a new music school, performance studio and refurbishment of the swimming pool and changing facilities had been invested in.

The school said it was particularly pleased with the inspectors’ confirmation that the school promotes positive behaviour and relationships.

Boarders told inspectors they ‘appreciate the value the school places on developing positive relationships and say that friendships within the houses are central to their enjoyment of school life.’

The inspectors found parents, in their responses to the pre-inspection questionnaire – to be ‘highly satisfied with the care their children receive’. And boarders from a variety of nationalities told inspectors they experience no discrimination for differences of any kind. Pupils were found to regard their houses as ‘harmonious and welcoming.’