ISI REPORT
2026
CONTENTS 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Word from Victoria Playford Our Key Findings Leadership and Management Quality of Education Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Inclusion, Respect & Community Future Readiness and Leadership Safeguarding
A WORD FROM
VICTORIA PLAYFORD We are delighted that our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection recognised so many of the qualities that make Wetherby School Kensington such a special place to learn and grow. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all required standards and highlighted the strength of our leadership, teaching, pastoral care, safeguarding and commitment to each child's individual development. What is particularly pleasing is that many of the areas recognised by inspectors reflect the values that sit at the heart of our school every day: high academic expectations, kindness, inclusion, emotional wellbeing and a belief that every child should be known, supported and encouraged to flourish. The report acknowledges the ambitious curriculum delivered by our talented staff, the strong relationships that exist throughout the school and the many opportunities pupils have to develop as confident, thoughtful and responsible young people. It also highlights the importance we place on pupil voice, wellbeing and preparing children not only for the next stage of their education, but for life beyond the classroom.
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Wetherby School Kensington
We are particularly proud that inspectors recognised the warm and supportive culture of the school, our commitment to inclusion and diversity, and the exceptional care shown towards every member of our community. The inspection findings are a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils and the ongoing support of our families. We are grateful to all members of the Wetherby Kensington community for the part they play in making the school such a positive and inspiring environment. As we continue our exciting journey towards becoming Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep, we remain committed to providing an outstanding education that balances academic excellence with character development, wellbeing and future readiness.
"Leaders create a culture in which pupils feel safe and supported." With best wishes, Victoria Playford Head, Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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OUR KEY
FINDINGS "Teachers plan an ambitious and challenging curriculum which enables pupils to make good progress." "Leaders create a culture in which pupils feel safe and supported." "Relationships between staff and pupils are kind and respectful..."
The culture prioritises high academic standards, inclusion, respect and equality."
"This results in a school community that celebrates its diversity..." "Safeguarding arrangements are effective and reflect current statutory guidance."
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Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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The culture prioritises high academic standards, inclusion, respect and equality.”
LEADERSHIP &
MANAGEMENT The inspection recognised the strength of the school's leadership and governance, highlighting a culture of continuous improvement, strong oversight and an unwavering commitment to pupils' wellbeing. Inspectors noted that school leaders and governors work effectively together to ensure that every decision supports the school's values, ambitions and vision for pupils.
Leaders fulfil their responsibilities to promote pupils’ wellbeing effectively and consistently.” 8
Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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Teachers plan an ambitious and challenging curriculum which enables pupils to make good progress.”
QUALITY OF
EDUCATION Inspectors praised the school's ambitious curriculum, specialist teaching and highly personalised approach to learning. The report highlights the effective use of assessment, high-quality teaching and adaptive planning, ensuring that pupils are both challenged and supported throughout their educational journey.
Leaders plan a curriculum that is broad, balanced and ambitious.”
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Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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Relationships between staff and pupils are kind and respectful, contributing to a sense of mutual trust that enables pupils to develop confidence and a sense of self-worth.”
WELLBEING AND
PASTORAL CARE
The report places particular emphasis on the school's pastoral care and wellbeing provision. Inspectors highlighted the positive relationships throughout the school, the strong focus on emotional regulation and the effectiveness of initiatives such as wellbeing support, pupil voice opportunities and pastoral systems in helping children feel happy, secure and confident.
Leaders create a culture in which pupils feel safe and supported.”
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Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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Leaders successfully promote respect among pupils for people who are different from themselves.”
INCLUSION, RESPECT & COMMUNITY Inspectors recognised the school's inclusive culture and commitment to developing socially aware young people. Through assemblies, curriculum content, leadership opportunities and community initiatives, pupils learn to value diversity, respect different viewpoints and contribute positively to the world around them.
This results in a school community that celebrates its diversity and in which pupils demonstrate considerate and inclusive attitudes towards one another.”
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Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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Leaders develop pupils’ awareness of different careers through visits from professionals.”
FUTURE READINESS &
LEADERSHIP
The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to future-focused learning. Through entrepreneurial projects, pupil leadership opportunities, careers awareness experiences and the Pupil Parliament, children begin developing the communication, creativity, resilience and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
An entrepreneur week develops older pupils’ understanding of the roles and responsibilities of running a business.”
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Wetherby School Kensington
Wetherby School Kensington
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SAFEGUARDING The report concluded that safeguarding arrangements are effective and embedded across the school. Inspectors highlighted the strong safeguarding culture, comprehensive staff training, effective systems and close collaboration between safeguarding leaders, staff and governors to ensure pupils remain safe and supported at all times.
Leaders maintain a safeguarding culture that is open, vigilant and built on mutual trust and robust systems.”
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Wetherby School Kensington
Safeguarding arrangements are effective and reflect current statutory guidance.”
Wetherby School Kensington
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