We are delighted to share our Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) School report with you from the recent inspection in January 2026. Seven inspectors from ISI visited both schools within Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation as part of the routine three-year inspection cycle for Independent Schools.
The inspection process is a robust exercise in gathering evidence to evaluate how we meet our obligations as a School to fulfil the Independent School Standards and Regulations. This process includes surveys of pupils, parents and staff, confidential interviews with pupils from across the Foundation and dozens of staff, as well as open-door observations of lessons and School activities over the course of three days.
As you may be aware from media coverage, the language of School inspection reports now avoids one-word judgements such as ‘excellent' or 'good’ and instead makes a series of evidencebased statements to describe the School provision across five distinct areas.
The inspectors judged Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation to have met the required Independent School Standards in all areas:
1. Leadership and management, and governance;
2 Quality of education, training and recreation;
3 Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing;
4 Pupils' social and economic wellbeing and contribution to society; and,
5 Safeguarding
The inspectors who visited the Foundation commented positively on every aspect of the provision The report includes some fantastic feedback about the quality of education we offer and the strong sense of community here at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.
This summary provides highlights of the report with key excerpts from the School Inspection report. The full report can be viewed on our website: https://www.dcsf.org.uk/aboutdcsf/inspections/
Section 1: Leadership & Management & Governance
In evaluating leadership across the Foundation, inspectors found this to be effective and ensure the schools' aims and expectations are understood. Leadership is values-led and well organised. The Foundation’s core values - moral integrity, ambition, responsibility and kindness - are clearly promoted and embedded in daily life.
Governors provide clear oversight and work closely with School leaders to ensure pupils’ wellbeing, inclusion, and development remain central to decision-making. Early Years leadership was praised for its thoughtful planning and strong pastoral focus.
Similarly, boarding provision was described as welcoming, inclusive and well-led, with pupils feeling supported and listened to.
on 2: ty of ation, training ecreation
that Durham Cathedral Schools meets all required standards aspect of School life, with a wellculum and high-impact teaching es and supports pupil progress.
cognised a school with clear g leadership and a genuine to pupil wellbeing, where young people are known, nd encouraged to achieve their
found to be high-quality across ding the Sixth Form, enabling e good academic progress veloping confidence, e and resilience. Cocurricular motes teamwork, leadership gagement across year groups.
ghlights the strength of the he quality of pastoral care, and support provided for pupils with eds, boarders and choristers.
o noted the nurturing and nvironment created for children ears, helping them to settle evelop a love of learning from
Section 3: Pupils’ phy and menta and emoti wellbeing
Inspectors found that pu actively promoted and c across the Foundation. B monitored consistently, confident in reporting co support.
Life and Wellbeing Educ Foundation’s personal, s education programme, p opportunities for pupils health, relationships, res decision-making. Pupils development, self-know for others are actively p themes are reinforced th Chapel and the wider cu pupils develop empathy respect for others.
Pastoral care is a clear s who to turn to for suppo raising concerns. Behav is positive, with pupils d for staff and one anothe
Boarding accommodatio described as comfortab supportive, contributing safe and secure.
“Pupils fee and suppo
n 4: social and mic ion and ution to
ognised the Foundation’s aracter development, tribution. The Foundation ulture of respect, inclusion.
ppreciation of diversity, ndamental British Values semblies, leadership roles gagement. School Councils, nd House activities allow esponsibility, confidence s.
builds progressively ation, with access to talks, perience and guidance al aspirations. Financial into the curriculum eal-life learning g pupils build confidence and understanding value. hances pupils' social esponsibility by enabling meaningfully to society nitiatives, partnerships Choristers, their important al life.
Section 5: Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective and robust.
Inspectors noted that staff receive regular training and understand how to report concerns. Pupils know how to seek help and are confident that concerns will be taken seriously.
Systems for online safety, supervision, health and welfare are secure, and leaders work closely with external agencies when required.
Continuous Improvement
As with all inspection visits, the process also provides a valuable opportunity for reflection and evaluation. At Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, we operate a culture of regular selfreview, ensuring that our systems, policies and practices continue to evolve and improve.
Inspectors identified three areas where processes could be strengthened further. Importantly, these had already been recognised by School leaders through our own internal review processes, and action was already underway prior to the inspection.
The recommendations relate to procedural improvements such as the timely updating of policies when national guidance changes, the prompt implementation of actions identified through site risk assessments, and the continued strengthening of administrative oversight in record-keeping.
These points do not relate to the quality of teaching, pastoral care or pupils’ experience of School life, which inspectors recognised as strong across the Foundation.
For the full Inspection report, please visit https://www.dcsf.org.uk/about-dcsf/inspections/
