AN independent school is celebrating after inspectors commended it despite struggles of pandemic.

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) found "excellent" academic achievement and pupil personal development at Roedean School.

They also found "outstanding provision for sport" with "high levels of respect for diversity and community engagement".

Their report said that pupils' moral understanding "was a major strength".

Headmaster Oliver Blond said: “Everyone at the school is delighted that the inspectors recognized all the positive aspects of the school, and the girls and staff are justifiably proud of their achievements.

"The report bristles with the energy, intellectual freedom, ambition and openness of our girls, and the commitment and dedication of our staff.

"It feels like a very genuine reflection of being here every day, so it is reassuring to know that our visitors felt the same way as we do about the strength and quality of education at Roedean.

“This year’s inspection was additionally challenging because it follows two years of disrupted or remote education.

The Argus: Roedean lifestyle ***Pic by David McHugh / Brighton Pictures 07768 721637***

"As a community, we are all still coping with and recovering from the impact of the pandemic, and this report recognizes the depth and breadth of the educational opportunities, and the quality of our provision provided even throughout these extraordinary times.”

The ISI visited the school in early November and all standards were found to be met.

Independent schools undergo a full education inspection every 3-6 years.

Inspectors’ key findings concluded that pupils attained highly at A level, GCSE and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), that their communication skills were "outstanding" and that pupils were highly engaged in lessons.

The school’s sports facilities, opportunities for all levels of ability to play fixtures and strong sporting record were all commended.

Interim chair of governors Vivien Smiley said: “I’d like to thank the headmaster and his outstanding team for such strong inspection outcomes, as well as their tireless work in delivering a high-quality holistic education, and relentless focus on supporting Roedean’s pupils and their development.

"This excellent result has been achieved against a background of extraordinary challenge over the last two years, and follows significant investment in the quality of the educational offer at Roedean.”

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