We contacted JMC with regards to organising some bespoke training around ISI inspection, ISSRs, and the format of regulatory compliance inspections and were very impressed with the service they provided.
I highly recommend JMC to all senior leaders within independent schools. We will certainly be using them again!
Jonathan Holmes, Deputy Head, St Dunstan’s College
Why choose JMC for your ISI Inspection Training?
The collective depth and breadth of experience of our inspection training team is unrivalled. All members of the team have all held significant leadership positions in schools belonging to HMC, GSA, BSA, IAPS and CISC.
Amongst our ISI inspection team are:
- A former Director of The Headmaster’ and Headmistress’ Conference (HMC)
- A former National Director of The Boarding School’s Association (BSA)
- A former Senior Advisor to Cognita Schools
- Former Board members of the Independent School’s Council (ISC)
Our expert ISI inspection team aim to leave your school having helped you unpick the school ISI inspection framework and given your teaching & administration teams more confidence and reassurance in readiness for when the inspector calls. We have an excellent record of helping schools achieve the highest outcomes.
JMC were instrumental in our preparation for a recent ISI 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
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 routine and non routine ISI inspections
- How to achieve excellence in the 5 strands
- ISI Excellent Pupil Progress
- 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 Governors, SLT & key HR / Office 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.
ISI Inspection Compliance Training for Schools
Training on the New ISI Inspection Framework 2023
We are running a series of training events in 2023 on the new ISI Inspection framework and its application to schools, starting with our National Conference to be held in Central London on Friday 22nd September 2023.
We can adapt and offer this programme for deliver as an INSET in your school. Please contact us for details.
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.
Compliance for Governors and School Proprietors
We can arrange an online expert led CPD session for your Governors, Trustees or Board members where we will explore:
- What aspects of school are inspected on a regulatory compliance inspection?
- What will we need to prove compliance?
- What will inspectors be looking for?
This training is aimed at governors , trustees , board members and proprietors of independent schools inspected by ISI or Ofsted. It is suitable for Governors of HMC, GSA, IAPS, ISA, Society of Heads or AGBIS Schools as well as Non-Association Independent Schools.
An Outstanding Session
Jacqueline Jenkins, Chair of the Advisory Board and School Inspector, Merton Court School
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, such as KCSIE, along with elements of best practice gained from our school’s 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.
Is your school due an ISI Inspection in 2023?
Find out more about our mock inspections for independent schools here
JMC Inspection Team
Independent Schools INSET for preparing for inspection

INSET: Preparing your SEND Provision for Ofsted Excellence
“This session presented a broad spectrum of useful and thought-provoking content that has significantly impacted my approach to SEND leadership. It was packed with relevant information aimed at not just…

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: 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…

Inspection Spotlight: Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection in Special Schools
Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection in Special Schools: A Guide for School Leaders Preparing for an Ofsted inspection can be a daunting task, especially for special schools where the needs…

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…

Post 16 INSET: 6th Form Ofsted Deep Dives
“Thank you, you made everything seem less scary” Richard Stubbs, Head of Maths, Abbey Park School The Ofsted Ready 6th Form: Preparing for a Deep Dive Are you deep-diving into…

Mock Inspections for Non Association Independent Schools
25% of Non Association Independent Schools inspected between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 failed to meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards Ofsted – Non-association independent schools…

INSET: Conducting a school self-review for Ofsted
Why carry out a School Self review? Many schools use a range of self-review activities to find out what is working, or not, in their schools. Sometimes these are overly…

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…

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,…

ISI INSET : Improving Pupils’ Quality of Education
Impressed by both the content and the delivery Joe Thackway, Head, Crescent School Improving pupils’ quality of education across the school The quality of education in a school is judged…

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 Lesson Observations, Learning walks 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: 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….

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: Developing a Knowledge Rich Curriculum in Science
“Really engaging tutor who clearly knew his stuff” Sadia Mirza, HOD, Dr Challoners High School Please follow and like us:

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…

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…

Preparing for F23 ISI Inspections March 2024 Conference
** This event has now taken place contact us to book any of these training sessions in your school ** F23 ISI Inspection Conference : Friday 1st March 2024 ,…

INSET : Consistently Great Teaching & Learning for ISI
Dispelling misconceptions, clarifying the criteria and sharing the theory and research behind the ISI approach. This course sets out what ISI defined excellent teaching looks like and how it can be identified and strengthened throughout the school.

Compliance Audit : Schools Academies & FE Colleges
“Very impressed indeed with the meticulous nature of the compliance audit, the quality of feedback and manner in which it was delivered.” Jonny Timms, Headmaster, Walhampton School MAT, Academy &…

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…

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…

Safeguarding INSET: Single Central Record (SCR) Compliance
“Expert advice and guidance delivered in a skilled and professional manner ” Mr W Sawyer, Head of Prep School, Yarm School The Single Central Record (SCR) is a key element…

F23 Conference: The New ISI Inspection Framework 2023
“The changes proposed represent an evolution of how we currently inspect schools. They build on the strengths of our current framework and consider the significant changes across education and wider society over…

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…

ISI INSET: ISI Inspection – Understanding the ISSRs
We contacted JMC with regards to organising some bespoke training around ISI inspections, ISSRs, and the format of regulatory compliance inspections and were very impressed with the service they provided….

INSET : Achieving an Ofsted Strong Curriculum & Teaching
“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 Do you…

Ofsted INSET : Deep Dive Marking & Feedback
“Has really helped me confirm how I need to address the marking policy” Katherine Hyland, Assistant Head, St Anne’s Catholic School for Girls Ofsted 2020 : Greater focus on teacher…

F23 ISI Inspection Methodology for 2024
The new ISI Inspection Framework is now in effect, known as Framework 23 (F23), there is a strong emphasis on promoting pupil wellbeing and some significant changes to inspection methodology….

ISI INSET: Documentation for ISI Inspections
An ideal combination to deal with the challenge of ISI inspections. Mr J Whybrow, Headmaster, Amesbury School INSET aims: This course is aimed at school leaders in independent schools inspected…

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…

Independent Schools Standards ‘not met’ – Support for Schools
We maintain the strictest levels of confidentially throughout all our consultancy projects with schools & colleges especially concerning those that have not met the Independent School Standards, as judged by…

Middle leaders INSET: Meaningful Lesson Observations
Strategies for Lesson observations, feedback and coaching to improve teaching and student progress Making Lesson Observations Beneficial Teacher appraisal and capability place effective and accurate observations of teaching and learning…

INSET: Creating a school self-evaluation and SEF for ISI
Why carry out a School Self Evaluation? Many schools use a range of self-evaluation activities to find out what is working, or not, in their schools. Sometimes these are overly…

INSET : Key Staff Preparation for the F23 ISI Inspection Framework
We all found the ISI Inspection Framework day incredibly useful, and we have plenty of actions to undertake! Sophie Toland, Senior Deputy, St. Mary’s Calne Getting to grips with the…

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…

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…

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 Ofsted has regularly condemned the quality…

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…

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…

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…

Single Academy Trust & School Governance Review
JMC can conduct a School Governance Review (virtually via Zoom or in person) The School Governance Review will examine the governance structure, operations and performance across the board. Our Governance…

ISI Inspection Training for Independent Schools
We contacted JMC with regards to organising some bespoke training around ISI inspection, ISSRs, and the format of regulatory compliance inspections and were very impressed with the service they provided….

INSET : Curriculum Design: Intent, Implementation & Impact
This INSET cuts through the complexity of the issues and highlights common themes to support successful curriculum design” Tim Jones, Deputy Head, Knowle Park Primary School Curriculum Design With a…

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…

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…

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…

Insight: Getting Ready for Independent School Inspection with ISI
Preparing for an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection can be a challenging yet crucial task for school leaders. Ensuring that your school meets the high standards expected during these inspections…