Teesside High School achieves rare accolade in exceptional ISI Inspection Report
Wednesday 25 June 2025 | By Samantha HockneyTeesside High School has been placed in the top 15% of independent schools in the UK after earning a prestigious standard in its latest Independent Schools Inspection Report.
We received high praise across all five key inspection areas and successfully met all standards. Most notably, Teesside High School has been awarded a coveted ‘significant strength’ status – becoming the only independent school in Teesside to be recognised at this level.
‘Significant strength’
Under a new and rigorous ISI inspection framework, independent schools no longer receive a one-word judgment or grading by inspectors, however, the rare ‘significant strength’ accolade is reserved exclusively for demonstrating a clear, measurable and profoundly positive impact on pupils.
Teesside High School received this recognition for its ‘successful and deeply embedded approach to ensuring that pupils’ academic and pastoral needs are met’.
The report states: “Each child is valued as an individual. Regardless of their starting points, they make sustained academic progress while flourishing socially, emotionally and personally within an inclusive and nurturing school environment.”
Our teaching staff were praised for their ‘expert subject knowledge’ and ‘commitment to pupils’ academic success, personal development, wellbeing and global awareness’ in an environment described as ‘calm’, ‘caring’ and ‘purposeful’. Students were defined as ‘confident, independent learners’, ‘thoughtfully supported and proud of their school’.
Kirsty Mackenzie, Head at Teesside High School, said: “This exceptional report and significant strength achievement cements Teesside High School’s position as a leader in independent education, setting a benchmark for excellence across the region.
“I could not be prouder of the incredible team behind this outstanding achievement – from governors and senior leaders to our passionate teaching and support staff, and, of course, our remarkable pupils and their families. What we have accomplished here is truly exceptional and reflects the hard work and unwavering commitment of so many people.
“We often say that every pupil at Teesside High is known, valued, challenged and supported. This recognition validates those words at the very highest level. I hope everyone connected to our wonderful school feels immense pride when reading the inspection report.”
Read the inspection report here.
What is a significant strength? See our useful video guide here.
Want to find out more about Teesside High School? Register to attend our September Open Day here.
Read inspectors’ remarks on:
Teesside High School’s Early Years provision:
In the early years, children become thoughtful and inclusive members of the school community. Fairness, problem-solving and mutual respect are promoted effectively as children learn and play well together. They develop a keen sense of emotional security and belonging in the caring and supportive environment.
Teaching and learning:
Leaders and teachers plan thoughtfully for pupils’ learning. Pupils enjoy their meaningful, contextual activities and the contemporary links to topics. Teachers adapt plans to meet individual needs effectively using their strong subject knowledge and regular checks on pupils’ learning. Teaching builds sequentially on pupils’ secure prior knowledge, so they are well prepared for future learning.
The broad and inclusive extra-curricular programme supports pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Activities include badminton, rounders, netball, coding, history club, craft club, dance, wellbeing champion, yoga, outdoor learning and orchestra. Pupils enjoy these opportunities to explore interests and to develop new skills. Consequently, pupils develop confidence, creativity, and a deep sense of the importance of inclusion.
Pupils’ needs are well understood and effectively supported. Their wellbeing is promoted through personalised pastoral care.
SEND:
The well-embedded provision for pupils who have SEND enables them to participate confidently in their lessons and to develop independence in learning. Staff demonstrate consistent awareness of pupils’ needs. They implement support plans effectively and so pupils who have SEND make good progress.
Wellbeing and culture:
The school’s culture of recognition and celebration promotes pupils’ self-esteem and confidence.
Leaders have developed a robust and inclusive programme of careers education, so that all pupils are well supported in planning for their future. Careers guidance is both aspirational and realistic. Consequently, this helps pupils to understand the full range of opportunities available to them, while aligning these with their individual strengths and ambitions. As a result, pupils are well informed, confident in their choices and equipped appropriately to make decisions about their next steps.
Governors and leaders place safeguarding at the heart of school life. They embed it across all policies, practices and pastoral systems. The school’s culture is one in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Pupils are valued and well supported.
