The Oratory School's Independent Schools' Inspectorate Report - 2025

Following the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection in February 2025, The Oratory School is pleased to publish our full report here: 
 

ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate) made the decision last year to remove one word grade descriptors from their reports. Instead they have decided to focus on whether a school fully meets all of the Independent School Standards and we are delighted to announce that the inspectors concluded that The Oratory School is compliant in all areas. This is a wonderful endorsement of all that has been done to develop the academic, pastoral and co-curricular life of the school over the last few years. 

Here are some of the things that the inspectors have included:

• “Pupils feel safe, secure and happy.”
• “Pupils feel respected and cared for by teachers.”
• “Teaching ensures that pupils are well informed, balanced, empathetic and confident in discussions."
• “[There is a] welcoming and supportive boarding environment which is successful in fostering pupils’ wellbeing and personal development.”
• “The Houses have a sense of calmness, respect and purposefulness away from the busyness of school life.”
• “Leaders know their school well. They have a clear vision for school development based on effective monitoring and self-evaluation.”
• “Leaders have created a welcoming and supportive boarding environment which is successful in fostering pupil’s wellbeing and personal development.”
• “The broad curriculum, wide range of co-curricular opportunities and opportunities for leadership and for pupils to express themselves enable pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.”
• “Leaders encourage pupils to actively seek ways to serve others. They provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to do this within school and in the local community.”
• “Leaders provide pupils with a wide-ranging and well-planned curriculum related to careers education.”

All inspections are required to produce recommendations and The Oratory is pleased that those provided by the inspectors tie in well with the school's existing priorities. These are:

• “To fully embed the systematic sharing of records in boarding to ensure all staff have relevant information related to pupils’ welfare.” We have used the changes in school leadership to restructure our operational meetings so that key information (e.g. attendance) can be reported efficiently from individual teachers to oversight from leadership and governance committees. 
• “To develop the small amount of teaching that is not supporting pupils to learn effectively.” This continues to be a key priority. Caryn Harward, Assistant Head (Director of Studies), is to lead in better use of quantitative data to track pupils’ progress in each department, and to produce individual pupil and departmental action plans as a response. 
• “To ensure older pupils are provided with opportunities to develop their understanding about managing their own finances as they move into adulthood.” Dr Vicky Fogg, Assistant Head Community and Culture, has been given oversight of the PSHE programme and has worked to dedicate more sessions to personal financial education. 

Mr Matthew Fogg, Head Master, says "I am conscious that there has been significant change at The Oratory this year. This inspection, which came half way through last term, demonstrates the many strengths of our wonderful school, whilst also giving us confidence that we are tackling the right areas to ensure that all pupils can flourish. 

I am very grateful to all of my colleagues who have worked tirelessly throughout this year to help prepare for this inspection. I am also hugely appreciative of our pupils, all of whom were praised by the inspectors for their passion for their school and for having the confidence and enthusiasm to talk with the inspection team, their love and pride for their school is a huge inspiration for me. Finally, thank you to our Oratory parents for their support for all that we do at The Oratory."

The Oratory’s full ISI Report is available to read here.

The Oratory School's Independent Schools' Inspectorate Report 2025 - Highlights Brochure

 

 

Catholic Schools Inspectorate - 2026

As a school of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, one of the inspections we undergo every few years is from its Education Department. The Oratory School was inspected in January 2026. Three areas of the school’s provision were inspected: the quality of its Catholic life; its Religious Education, and its Collective Worship. The school was graded 'Outstanding' for its Catholic life and mission; 'Good' for its Religious Education and its Collective Worship; and 'Good' overall.

Highlights include:

• “The Oratory School is an inclusive and welcoming community which values and respects individuals, truly living out the charism of its founder, St John Henry Newman.”
• “The school’s charism, expressed in the motto ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’ (‘Heart speaks unto heart’), is lived out widely.”
• “The strength of all relationships between staff and students embodies the school’s motto.” 
• “Students and staff show generous commitment to charitable outreach and service within the wider community.”
• “Parents comment on the school’s ‘nurturing, family-like environment’.”
• “The school is an inclusive community; students show great respect for others and for themselves.” 
• “Staff value the mutual respect between staff and students of all faiths and world views.”
• “Attractive displays of students’ work promote the creative talents of individuals as part of the school’s charism.”
• “Staff report that they feel well-supported.”
• “There is frequent engagement with parents through newsletters, social media, and invitations to be involved in charitable fundraising, and parents respond generously, reflecting their engagement and understanding of the school’s work.”

Matthew Fogg, Head Master, says "We are delighted that the inspectors recognised the outstanding Catholic Life and Mission of the school and how this is reflected in the strong relationships, the lived charism of St John Henry Newman, and the culture of respect and service. It is also pleasing to see such positive comments about leadership, chaplaincy, prayer, and the quality of Religious Education. The inspectors commented “The Oratory School is an inclusive and welcoming community which values and respects individuals, truly living out the charism of its founder, St John Henry Newman”.

There are some helpful areas for further development and I will continue to work with my colleagues to enhance this fundamental aspect of our school's identity."