Inspection Reports

Independent Schools Inspection – March 2023

This integrated inspection occupied a period of three continuous days in the college during March 2023.

The inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with students and examined samples of students’ work. They held discussion with senior members of staff and with representatives of the proprietor, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities that occurred during the inspection period and attended registration sessions and assemblies. Inspectors visited boarders’ accommodation and looked at the medical facilities. The responses of parents and students to a pre-inspection questionnaire were analysed and the inspectors examined regulatory documentation made available by the college.

We are delighted to say that the final report found the college ‘excellent’ in all areas and praised the college in many different ways.

The staff team, the students and their parents all deserve congratulations for the part they have played, and continue to play, in making Abbey College Manchester such a wonderful place to be.

Key findings from the report include:

Academic achievement: Excellent

  • Pupils of all ages display excellent knowledge, skills and understanding across the curriculum and achieve highly in academic areas.
  • Pupils have extremely positive attitudes to learning, responding to challenges with commitment and enthusiasm.
  • Pupils’ mathematical skills are well developed, and they apply these successfully to other areas of learning.
  • Pupil’s study skills, their ability to hypothesise, analyse and synthesise are very well developed.

Personal Development: Excellent

  • Pupils’ self-understanding and self-confidence are excellent, they are resilient and know how to improve their own learning.
  • Pupils’ respect for each other, their own and other cultures is excellent.
  • Pupils have a very well-developed moral understanding.

To read the full report, please click here.

Independent Schools Inspection – March 2018

This compliance only inspection occupied two full days in the college during March 2018.

This integrated inspection occupied a period of four continuous days in the college during February 2015.

The inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with students and examined samples of students’ work. They held discussion with senior members of staff and with representatives of the proprietor, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities that occurred during the inspection period and attended form meetings and assemblies. The inspectors visited boarding accommodation and the learning support and educational resource areas. The responses of parents and students to pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed and the inspectors examined curriculum and other documentation made available by the college.

This was a compliance only inspection and as such only reported on the college’s compliance with the standards, including the boarding national minimum standards.

We are delighted to report that the college has met all 8 of the standards in the schedule to the Education Regulations 2014, the national minimum standards for boarding schools 2015 and associated requirements.

These standards were:

  • Quality of education provided
  • Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
  • Welfare, health and safety of pupils
  • Suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors
  • Premised of and accommodation at schools
  • Provision of information
  • Manner in which complaints are handled
  • Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Click here to see the full report

The staff team, the students and their parents all deserve congratulations for the part they have played, and continue to play, in making Abbey College Manchester such a wonderful place to be.

Independent Schools Inspection – February 2015

This integrated inspection occupied a period of four continuous days in the college during February 2015.

The inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with students and examined samples of students’ work. They held discussion with senior members of staff and with representatives of the proprietor, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities that occurred during the inspection period and attended registration sessions and assemblies. Inspectors visited boarders’ accommodation, including a small sample of lodgings with host families and the Cavendish Place, the student residence and looked at the medical facilities. The responses of parents and students to a pre-inspection questionnaire were analysed and the inspectors examined regulatory documentation made available by the college.

We are delighted to say that the final report was overwhelming positive and praised the college in many different ways.

The staff team, the students and their parents all deserve congratulations for the part they have played, and continue to play, in making Abbey College Manchester such a wonderful place to be.

Key findings from the report include:

“Abbey College is highly successful in achieving its aims to guide students to achieve academic success, to fulfil their aspirations and to learn to respect and value one another”

“The students’ personal development is excellent. They are confident, articulate and sensitive to the needs of others”

“The students have excellent attitudes towards their work. They are well focused in class, eager to succeed and hard-working”

“The contribution of the curriculum and extra-curricular provision is excellent”

“The college benefits from clear leadership”

“The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the students is excellent”

“Excellent relationships exist between students and staff”

“Students from overseas integrate well and work happily with local students in classes, tutorials and the enrichment programme”

Click here to see the full report