Member Article

Abbey College Manchester Rated ‘Double Excellent’ in School Inspection

Staff and students at Manchester based independent college, Abbey College Manchester are jubilant after being awarded ‘excellent’ in every category by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The ISI inspectors gave Abbey Manchester College the highest rating possible in recognition of ‘the pupils’ academic development and other achievements’ and of the ‘quality of the pupils’ personal development’.

The inspector commented: “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.”

He continued: “The school is highly successful in achieving its aims to guide pupils to achieve academic success and to fulfil their aspirations.”

In regards to the pupils’ development the inspector stated that: “The pupils’ self-understanding and self-confidence are excellent; they are resilient and know how to improve their own learning.”

As part of the inspection, which took place across three continuous days in March, the ISI inspectors observed lessons, had discussions with the pupils and examined pupils’ work. They held discussions with members of staff and with governors, and observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities, and attended form meetings. The inspectors visited the student accommodation, and the learning support and educational resource areas. They also considered the responses of parents, staff and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires, and examined curriculum and other documentation.

Chris Randell, Abbey College Manchester Principal said: “The whole college is delighted that we have been awarded ‘excellent’ across the board.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone in our community for their dedication and support. The staff, students and their parents, should all be very proud of the significant part they have played in making Abbey College Manchester a best-in-class college, and a first-choice destination for many pupils.”

Abbey College is a thriving independent college in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15-19.

With a teaching philosophy based on small classes and highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting, the college focuses on the transition from school to university, working with students individually to achieve the academic standards and social skills required by their target and world-class universities. Abbey College Manchester also expertly prepares students for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools.

There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programmes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melissa Chawner .