KES Bath celebrates exceptional 2026 isi report and the award of a rare 'significant strength'

King Edward’s School, Bath (KES) is delighted to share the findings of its January 2026 Independent Schools Inspectorate report, which highlights the many ways in which the School offers an outstanding educational experience for pupils aged 3–18. The inspection praises the School’s strong leadership, excellent teaching, and the exceptionally warm and supportive environment in which pupils thrive. 

This year’s report also awards KES a Significant Strength, a distinction reserved for a very small proportion of schools. Inspectors identified this strength in the way pupils grow into “curious, resilient, kind, compassionate and responsible members of the school community,” inspired by the sense of belonging and support they experience each day. 

Wellbeing at the Heart of an Inclusive Community

A central theme running throughout the report is the School’s sustained commitment to pupil wellbeing and the culture of care running throughout KES. Inspectors commended leaders and governors for working collaboratively to ensure that pupils’ wellbeing remains the top priority, shaping decisions, relationships and the daily life of the School. 

The report paints a picture of a genuinely inclusive and respectful community, where pupils feel valued for who they are and supported to become confident, thoughtful young people. Through attentive and supportive pastoral structures, they develop secure relationships and are, “taught to value themselves and others as individuals, such that pupils develop high levels of self-esteem and self-confidence.”

Inspectors also highlighted the care taken to provide tailored support, noting the regular review of pupils’ social and emotional needs and the availability of safe, welcoming spaces for pupils seeking advice or reflection. From the very start of their KES journey in the early years, children benefit from a “dynamic and responsive learning environment underpinned by a strong sense of purpose and high expectations,” helping them to form secure early relationships and grow in confidence. 

Confident Learners Lead to High Achievement

As well as recognising the strength of its pastoral care, the ISI report reinforces King Edward’s School’s clear academic ambition, with the high quality of pupils’ learning and progress rooted in the School’s supportive and inclusive approach. Inspectors found teaching to be skilful and well paced, enabling pupils to grow as confident and independent learners. Teachers know their pupils well, create purposeful classrooms and encourage pupils to persevere, explore ideas and challenge themselves. Academic tutors provide personalised support, contributing to strong outcomes at GCSE and A Level. 
The curriculum is enriched with an array of carefully designed opportunities, including trips, immersion in additional subject activities and external competitions, which help pupils to deepen understanding, broaden interests and “find their voice.” 

Preparing Pupils for Their Futures

The report also praises the School’s careers provision, noting that pupils are “well supported to transition on to their next stages in learning, education, training and employment.” Pupils receive thoughtful guidance that helps them make informed decisions about a wide range of future pathways, from university courses to apprenticeships and vocational opportunities. 

This future focused support complements the School’s broader emphasis on wellbeing, confidence and character, equipping pupils not only for academic success but for life beyond KES.

Commenting on the findings of the exceptional report, Headmaster, Martin Boden, said: 

“We are thrilled with the findings of this ISI inspection and particularly proud to have been recognised with a rare and highly prized Significant Strength. To have inspectors highlight the kindness, confidence and character of our pupils, qualities that come from feeling known, supported and included and which provide the springboard to happiness and success in so many areas, is a powerful testament to every member of our community. From Early Years to Sixth Form, every child at KES is encouraged to flourish, and this report reflects the dedication and care of staff and the remarkable young people they teach.” 

You can read the ISI Report in full, HERE in addition to a summary of the report's findings below.

"Pupils become curious, resilient, kind, compassionate and responsible members of the school community.  They grow in confidence and develop a sense of belonging to the vibrant school community such that they are inspired to support one another.  This is a significant strength of the school."

2026 ISI Report