ISI Inspection 2026: Success for RMS for Girls
We are delighted to announce that RMS for Girls fully met all standards in our Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection in February 2026.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our pupils, and the strength of our entire school community. This result confirms that RMS remains a place where girls flourish both academically and personally.
SUMMARY ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2026
What the Report Tells You
Instead of a single grade, our 2026 report is broken down into five key areas of evaluation:
| Section | Focus | Our Outcome |
| Section 1 | Leadership and Management, and Governance | Fully Met |
| Section 2 | Quality of Education, Training, and Recreation | Fully Met |
| Section 3 | Pupils’ Physical and Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing | Fully Met |
| Section 4 | Pupils’ Social and Economic Education and Contribution to Society | Fully Met |
| Section 5 | Safeguarding | Fully Met |
SUMMARY ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2026
FULL ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2026
Understanding the "Framework 23" Model
The ISI introduced a new inspection framework in September 2023. This marked a significant shift in how independent schools are evaluated.
Previously, schools were given one-word labels like “Excellent” or “Good.” The new framework has replaced these labels.
Instead, schools are now assessed on whether they have “met” or “not met” the rigorous Independent School Standards. This provides a more nuanced, descriptive picture of a school’s daily life and its commitment to pupil wellbeing.
Our 2026 Inspection at a Glance
Our routine inspection lasted two and a half days and was led by a Reporting Inspector supported by a team of nine senior leaders from across the independent sector. This large team allowed for a “deep dive” into every corner of RMS life, from our classrooms to our boarding houses.
The inspection team interviewed and conducted surveys of parents, staff and pupils from Nursery to Year 8 and they observed a significant number of lessons.
Importantly they experienced all aspects of RMS, from Ruspini Nursery, Prep, Senior, Sixth Form and Boarding in its fullest sense – assemblies, meals, pastoral care, boarding time, activities, sports, musical groups and the creative arts to name a few.
How the inspectors spent their time:
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The Pupil Voice & Community Feedback – Inspectors held formal and informal discussions with pupils across all year groups to discuss their safety, workload, and school life. They also carefully considered the views of parents, staff, and pupils who responded to the ISI pre-inspection surveys.
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In the Classroom & Beyond – The team conducted extensive lesson observations (some alongside our own school leaders) and visited our Learning Support and Physical Education facilities. They also reviewed a wide range of physical and digital work to assess pupil progress and the quality of teacher feedback.
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The Full RMS Experience – The inspection went far beyond the classroom. The team attended registration periods, assemblies, and a variety of extra-curricular activities. They also conducted guided visits to our boarding houses, accompanied by both pupils and staff, to see our residential community in action.
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Leadership, Governance & Compliance – Inspectors held detailed discussions with the Chair of Governors, the Headteacher, and school leaders at all levels. A rigorous audit of the school’s policies and the Single Central Record (SCR) was conducted to ensure our safeguarding and recruitment processes meet the highest standards.
Previous ISI Inspection Reports
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) gave RMS an unequivocally positive report following their recent Regulatory Compliance Inspection in May 2022.
In their report, the inspectors confirmed that RMS fully met every area across all eight of their standards, which are scheduled in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, and the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. Over the last year, 20% of independent schools have failed one or more of these standards.
With the inspectors making no recommendations for further action, this was the best possible outcome that a school could receive from a compliance inspection.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visited in September 2017 and assessed the School as being “excellent” in all areas for the Educational Quality Inspection; this is the highest judgement that a school can be awarded. In the Focused Compliance Inspection we have been judged as being fully compliant in all respects.
