Accreditation and Inspection

Padworth College is justly proud of its high standards in both the academic and pastoral fields of college life. It is important to us that these standards are assessed and given external recognition by the following independent educational inspectorates who examine our provision in detail and make independent reports.

Ofsted

Padworth College is regularly inspected by OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) which is an independent inspectorate charged with contributing to the provision of better education and care through effective inspection and regulation of all schools in England.

The most recent inspection took place in March 2007 and praised the overall quality of education at Padworth.

Read the full report of the OFSTED Inspectorate

Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses in Independent Schools (SHMIS)

Padworth College is a member of the Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses in Independent Schools (SHMIS), an association of over 100 other well-established independent schools which promotes good practice and high standards within member schools.

Independent Schools Council (ISC)

Padworth College is accredited by the Independent Schools Council and is subject to rigourous inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate which inspects ISC member schools every six years. The last inspection took place in September 2007.

Boarding Schools Association (BSA)

Padworth College is a member of the Boarding Schools Association which promotes and serves boarding education. The BSA promotes the qualities of boarding life provided by all types of boarding schools in membership of the Association. The BSA encourages the highest standards of welfare for boarding pupils in its member schools.

British Accreditation Council (BAC)

Padworth College has been rigorously inspected and accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education at regular intervals, having received our first accreditation in 1987. Our most recent inspection took place in March 2003 when we were awarded continuing accreditation. A summary of that Inspection report is shown below:

"The inspectors reported on a very good or excellent level of provision in all of the areas assessed during the inspection. They considered that the College was well managed. Teaching showed expertise both in the subject taught and in the awareness of the needs of students whose first language was not English. The classes made considerable demands on the students and they in turn responded well. Examination results were outstandingly good. The residential accommodation was also of a very high standard, and was supervised by very well-experienced staff. There were good opportunities for social and sporting activities. There are extensive and attractive grounds, preserving much of the original parkland setting.

Padworth College was awarded continuing accreditation in April 2003"

British Council and English UK

Padworth College is inspected and accredited by the British Council in respect of our language courses and for the teaching of English as a foreign language. The most recent inspection took place in May 2006 and we were pleased to receive a very positive report, a copy of which is available on request. We are members of English UK the national association of English language centres which have been accredited by the British Council under the English in Britain Accreditation Scheme.

Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)

The CSCI undertakes boarding welfare inspections to ensure that establishments are operating in accordance with statutory regulations and National Minimum Standards. A team of inspectors visited the College in January 2005 and subsequently produced a report which affirmed that Padworth is meeting all the appropriate standards.