JMC were instrumental in our preparation for a recent I.S.I. Independent schools inspection and were a source of great encouragement and guidance. Very evident in the report, where the highest possible judgements were obtained, was observed evidence of this input from John and his team.
Mike Rees, Headmaster, St. Michael’s Preparatory School
Independent Schools Inspection Training
Our in house trainers aim to leave your school having helped you unpick the school inspection framework and given your teaching & administration teams more confidence and reassurance in readiness for when the inspector calls.
The focus of our courses can be adapted to your needs so please browse the current courses in the list below and let us know your priorities for us to tailor the course to best prepare you for your inspection visit.
Whole School Inspection Training
Training could focus on areas such as:
- How to prepare for an ISI Compliance or Education Quality inspection
- What are inspectors looking for on an inspection
- A breakdown of the schedule for an inspection
- How to achieve Excellent in an EQI Inspection
- ISI Excellent Pupil Outcomes
- Achieving Excellence in Personal Development
- Marking and Feedback and how to evidence this for ISI
- Middle leaders training on how to observe lessons ISI style
- Understanding the ISSRs
- Preparing all the relevant documentation for ISI
- SCR Compliance training
- Compliance Briefings and mentoring for key staff
- Safeguarding Updates e.g. KCSIE, Peer to Peer Sexual Harassment
- Boarding Compliance
Many schools choose to combine whole school inspection training with a mock inspection.
We have a range of packages which our office team would be happy to discuss with you.
Compliance Training for Schools
Training for staff who complete the SCR and recruitment processes
- Break down of all pre-employment checks, why and how to carry them out.
- Each session tailored to participants needs.
- Increased ability to respond the complex requirements when completing processes.
- Boosts confidence and understanding.
Safeguarding for Governors and School Proprietors
Training on how to carry out internal audits of the SCR
- There can be great benefits to the Safeguarding Governors or school Proprietor carrying out an internal audit of the SCR. In order for a robust audit to take place, in depth training is offered to support the governor with this process.
- Training on how to carry out robust internal audits of the SCR.
- Demonstrations on how to delve further into processes to ensure statutory requirements are met.
- Appreciation to challenge evidence presented.
- Participants will leave with a greater awareness of the legislation that governs recruitment and the SCR.
Independent Schools Compliance Briefing sessions
Annual briefing sessions to independent schools updating on changes to statutory requirements from the DfE or Home Office, along with elements of best practice gained from schools audits.
Please browse the course details below and get in touch to find out what makes us different and we can begin to create a truly bespoke solution for your school.
Independent Schools INSET for preparing for inspection

Ofsted INSET : Quality of Education
“A really helpful session covering all areas of the new Ofsted framework. The suggested questions are really useful” Laura Creswick , Assistant Head , Teaching & Learning, Nailsea School Is…

Inspection INSET: Single Central Register (SCR) for the Bewildered
“Expert advice and guidance delivered in a skilled and professional manner ” Mr W Sawyer, Head of Prep School, Yarm School This is an introductory course aimed at senior leaders…

INSET: ISI Personal Development – building resilience, self-confidence & independence
What are inspectors looking for in ISI personal development? The current ISI inspection framework places a significant emphasis on pupils personal development and how the school and its curriculum contributes…

INSET: Apprenticeship & Adult Skills Deep Dives
The Ofsted Ready Apprenticeship Programme: Preparing for a Deep Dive In April 2021 Ofsted became responsible for the inspection of apprenticeship provision at all levels. This was recommended in the Review…

Compliance & Safeguarding Training Webinars
Our expert-led webinars are available for schools to book for their leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour tailored and interactive Zoom sessions which would be suitable for…

Ofsted INSET: Outstanding Implementation of T&L
“Lots of new ideas to try out and great discussions ” #alwayslearning Highcliffe School Learning & Teaching Steering Group ( via Twitter) Will your school achieve or maintain Outstanding in…

Middle leaders INSET : Effective Curriculum Monitoring & Evaluation
“The feedback from the middle leaders and SLT was overwhelmingly positive, they loved being able to share ideas and raise their concerns” Svetlana Bajic-Raymond, Deputy Head, Cotham School Are you…

Mock Inspection for Independent Schools
The whole mock inspection process was professional, well delivered and extremely valuable to us. It validated where we are and provided concrete next steps forward. Myself and the senior team…

Ofsted Special Measures Support for Schools
We maintain the strictest levels of confidentially throughout all our consultancy projects with schools & colleges especially concerning those judged as Ofsted inadequate or in Special Measures. Testimonials or references…

Mock Ofsted Inspections for Schools, MATs & Academies
During the mock Ofsted, JMC quickly assessed what our primary needs were and responded immediately. We feel much better equipped for the task ahead. Judy Packham, Director, Springboard Education Mock…

MAT, Academy & School Inspection Training
“A really helpful session covering all areas of the Ofsted framework. The suggested questions are really useful” Laura Creswick , Assistant Head , Teaching & Learning, Nailsea School School Staff…

Post 16 INSET : Outstanding Learning & Progress in 6th Form
“Feedback has been extremely positive about last night’s training – ‘One colleague even described it as “life changing”. Andy Backwell, Head of 6th Form, Malmesbury School Some teachers find teaching…

INSET: Governing Body Training for ISI Inspection
If you are a Proprietor or part of the Governing body of an Independent School in England you will have responsibilities to ensure that your school is adhering to the…

INSET: Boarding Compliance – National Minimum Standards
This expert-led NMS webinar is available for UK schools and Accredited BSO schools to book for their boarding leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour interactive Zoom session….

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for an English Deep Dive
“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, Head of English, KLB School The Ofsted Ready English Department: Preparing for a Deep…

INSET : Improving Pupil Progress & Attainment at KS3 & KS4
‘very informative’ Sarah Williams, Principal, Immanuel School A practical guide on high impact teaching strategies for improving pupil progress in KS3 & KS4 students Do you apply the full range…

INSET : Metacognitive Feedback to Improve Pupil Progress
Thanks for a fantastic INSET on Metacognition – Really looking forward to using the strategies in our lessons in the next few weeks The Marist School Sports Department ( via…

INSET : Preparing for a Literacy & Reading Deep Dive
“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, Head of English, KLB School Preparing for a Literacy or Reading Deep Dive The…

INSET : Advanced Marking & Feedback Strategies
Transformational David Luard, Northcote Lodge School Beyond Triple Impact Marking – making marking meaningful, manageable and motivating again! Just 45 per cent of primary and 44 per cent of secondary…

State Boarding School Audit: Academies, Free Schools
Is your State Boarding school fully compliant ? How do you know? Where is your evidence and is it easily accessible? Are you confident of meeting all NMS for boarding…

Inspection INSET: ISSR Compliance for Governors
An Outstanding Session on ISSR Compliance Jacqueline Jenkins, Chair of the Advisory Board and School Inspector, Merton Court School Are you expecting an inspection from ISI or Ofsted? Both these…

ISI Inspection Methodology for September 2023
ISI have published their new inspection framework and handbook for inspection from September 2023. The documents remain in draft form during the summer term as ISI conclude their pilot programme….

RSE Policy / PSHE Education audit
“We found the RSE policy review and wider support an invaluable aid to improve our provision” Emma Cornhill, Headteacher Fairburn School, North Yorkshire The expectations for Relationships Education, Relationships and…

Ofsted Training : The Ofsted Ready School
“Inspiring and knowledgeable” Claire Vickery, Head of DT, Buckler’s Mead Academy Ofsted has moved away from headline data to look instead at how schools are achieving these results, and whether…

INSET: Achieving Excellence in Pupil Personal Development
Thank you very much for a very informative and useful session Katherine Beith, Director of Studies, Alleyn’s Junior School How would you rate your pupil’s personal development? How do you…

Covid Compliance: Is your MAT , Academy or School Covid Compliant?
As schools across the UK open for all students for the new school year, teaching professionals need guidance on how best to support and protect children and young people. Will…

Behaviour Audit for Primary & Secondary Schools
‘The Behaviour audit was conducted sensitively and thoroughly both prior to and during the audit. JMC took time to speak to staff and students to ensure they felt part of the…

INSET : New Standards for Accredited BSO Schools
Thank you very much it has been such a useful day, I have so many ideas to take away from the day! Lynne Reynolds, Head of Social Science , Bosworth…

INSET: ISI Lesson Observation and the ISSRs
Extremely valuable – thank you ! Jane Bond , Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral and Operational), Rokeby School Strategies for ISI Lesson observation, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and pupil progress…

INSET: Using Data to Improve Standards & Progress
All schools use huge amounts of data to support them in the work they do. Information on pupil attainment and progress is the most complex part of this, but data…

INSET: Conducting a Meaningful Work Scrutiny
Do you feel confident in the skills of conducting a work scrutiny? Do you know how to use book scrutiny to help other teachers improvement their practice? Do you understand…

BSO INSET : Exemplary Practice in BSO Education Quality
This will really get us thinking about the BSO Inspection and effective classroom practice William Shuttleworth, Director of Teaching & Learning, The Banda, IAPS Prep School, Nairobi, Kenya New BSO…

Ofsted INSET: Preparing Subject Leaders for a Deep Dive
“Really useful for what a deep dive means and what to say to Ofsted” Justin Jones, HOD English, KLB School The Ofsted Ready Department: Preparing for a Deep Dive The…

INSET : ISI Excellent Marking & Feedback
With the recent changes to the ISI framework it is essential that teachers and leaders get to grips with the new criteria. This course also presents practical ways to mark smarter and how the research shows that improving marking and feedback is the number one way of adding value to pupil progression and attainment.

Early Years Settings & Nursery Mock Inspections
From the very start JMC were professional and exceptionally friendly. The staff all commented how at ease they made them feel, while also being thorough. I will always be a…

Mock Ofsted 90 minute Educationally Focussed Conversation
Mock Ofsted Pre-Inspection Phone call between the Head & the Lead Inspector The purpose of this service is to support headteachers in preparing for the 90 minute educationally focussed telephone…

Safeguarding INSET: KCSIE Compliance 2023
This expert-led KCSIE webinar is available for schools to book for their leaders and staff as a 1 or 2 hour interactive Zoom session. This webinar is appropriate for all…

Boarding School Audit for Independent Schools
Very useful practical tips and information. Immediate take home actions. Abingdon School Independent Boarding School Audit Educational institutions must meet and observe a wide variety of guidelines and regulations set…

INSET: Ofsted Personal Development – building resilience, confidence & independence
What are inspectors looking for in Ofsted personal development? The current Ofsted inspection framework now places a much greater emphasis on pupils personal development and how the school and its…

Safeguarding Audit : Academies Schools & FE Colleges
Very useful practical tips and information. Immediate take home actions. Abingdon School MAT, Academy & School Safeguarding Audits Understanding your duties and responsibilities, and developing and embedding good safeguarding practice,…

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for a Humanities Deep Dive
“Outstanding – extremely helpful & has built my confidence” Miranda Rawlinson, Head of History, Pate’s Grammar School The Ofsted Ready Humanities Department: Preparing for a Deep Dive The current Ofsted…

Why international schools go for BSO Accreditation
BSO Accreditation can provide several benefits, both for the schools themselves and for their pupils. In 2022, ISC Research data recorded a total of 13,180 English-Medium international schools around the…

INSET: Safe & Fully Compliant Boarding Schools
• Are Boarding schools fully compliant ?• How do you know?• Where is your evidence and is it easily accessible?• Will you satisfy the SCCIF (Maintained Schools) or are confident…

INSET : Marking & Feedback – Evidencing for Inspection
With the recent changes to the ISI framework it is essential that teachers and leaders get to grips with the new criteria. This course also presents practical ways to mark smarter and how the research shows that improving marking and feedback is the number one way of adding value to pupil progression and attainment.

EYFS INSET : Achieving Outstanding Early Years Provision
Very informative, lots of thought provoking ideas Tanya Cross, Assistant Head, Inglehurst Junior School Do you know what outstanding looks like in EYFS? Are you able to evidence it in…

Ofsted INSET : Preparing for a Science Deep Dive
“Absolutely brilliant, I feel so much more informed and energised” Katherine Letts, Director of Science ( Core Leadership Group) , St Laurence School Ofsted Ready Science Teaching : Preparing for…

SLT INSET: Enabling Collective Teacher Efficacy (CTE)
When everyone in a school believes that together they can make a difference, the impact on student attainment can be almost quadrupled Rachel Eells, 2011 An Effect size greater than…

ISI INSET : Securing Excellence in ISI EQI
All of us found it a very useful ‘dress rehearsal’ for the real thing! Piers Heyworth, Headmaster Manor Prep Getting to grips with the EQI focus on Outcomes for Pupils…

Opinion: The ISI Inspection Myth Buster!
What is involved in an ISI Inspection ? There are many changes to the inspection framework from September 2023. The most significant is that ISI will NOT give an overall…

Middle leaders INSET: Meaningful Lesson Observations
Strategies for Lesson observations, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and student progress Do your middle leaders feel confident in the skills of lesson observation? Can you feedback to colleagues…