A Proud Moment for Pownall as ISI Inspection Report Celebrates School Community
Pownall Hall School is delighted to share the outcome of its recent unannounced Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, with inspectors recognising the school’s nurturing environment, dedicated staff and strong commitment to the wellbeing of its children.
On 30th September and 1st October 2026, two ISI inspectors arrived at Pownall Hall School without prior notice to carry out an additional monitoring inspection. Over the course of two days, they explored key aspects of school life, including safeguarding, pupil welfare, health and safety, leadership and governance.
We are incredibly proud to share that Pownall met every relevant Standard considered during the inspection, a wonderful outcome and a reflection of the care, commitment and professionalism of the whole school community.
A School Where Children Are Known, Valued and Cared For
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the report is the way the inspectors describe the culture and atmosphere of Pownall.
The report highlights how leaders and staff:
“Create a nurturing, caring and inclusive school environment where pupils build and maintain respectful and supportive relationships with their teachers and with each other.”
These words capture so much of what makes Pownall special. As a school, we believe that children flourish when they feel happy, safe, supported and valued, and it is wonderful to see these qualities recognised so clearly.
The inspectors also praised the school’s commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, noting that:
“Leaders and staff work together effectively to promote a robust and vigilant safeguarding culture.”
They further recognised that staff support pupils’ wellbeing “with care and insight”, reflecting the thoughtful, individual approach to caring for every child at Pownall.
Pownall Being Pownall
What makes this inspection outcome particularly meaningful is that the visit was entirely unannounced.
There was no opportunity for additional preparation or to do anything differently. The inspectors experienced Pownall as it is on any ordinary school day, meeting staff, speaking with children and seeing first-hand the relationships, care and dedication that underpin daily life at the school.
Throughout their visit, both inspectors were hugely complimentary about the school, the staff they encountered and the children they had the opportunity to meet and speak with.
Our children represented Pownall wonderfully, and we are immensely proud of them.
A Thank You to Our Whole School Community
Reflecting on the report, Headmaster David Goulbourn shared:
“What makes this report so special is that the inspectors simply saw Pownall being Pownall. They experienced two ordinary school days and recognised the care, professionalism and kindness that our staff bring to school every single day.
Every member of our team plays a part in making Pownall the wonderful place it is. I am incredibly proud of our children, our staff and the relationships that make our school community so special.
Pownall is Pownall because of its people, and I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who helps make it what it is.”
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire staff team for everything they do, often quietly and behind the scenes, to ensure our children are happy, safe and thriving. We are equally grateful to our governors for their continued support and to our parents for the trust they place in us each day.
This report is a lovely independent affirmation of the school community we are all so proud to be part of, and a moment worth celebrating together.
The full ISI Inspection Report is available to read on our policies page.