Anya Bensberg, Deputy Head
I first heard about RSAcademics via our Head, who had recently met your Head of Governance and Compliance Durell Barnes. When we began preparing for our next ISI inspection, our Head passed me Durell’s contact details as someone who could guide us through the process.
From the outset, Durell was warm, friendly and incredibly easy to talk to. We had a short call at the start of the project to outline what we were looking for and what the school needed. He listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and very quickly grasped both our priorities and the areas that needed focused attention.
Following that initial conversation, Durell put together a structured plan for the months ahead. His proposal included:
- Briefing the Senior Leadership Team and Governors
- Supporting the school to complete its own inspection‑readiness planning
- Returning four months later to provide training for the whole staff
- Providing drop‑in support sessions, particularly for middle leaders as they implemented the inspection plans
This staged approach gave us a clear framework to follow. It meant we were working proactively rather than reactively, and it ensured everyone from governors to support staff understood their role in preparing for the inspection.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was how proactive Durell was. As a Deputy Head, my time is often stretched, and Durell’s habit of reaching out to check in, offer guidance, or prompt the next step kept the project moving smoothly. He was always organised, considerate of my time, and consistently collaborative.
Ahead of our INSET day, he provided all slides and notes well in advance, which made planning significantly easier. The whole‑staff training session went extremely well. It reached everyone from teachers to site staff and helped create a shared understanding of what the inspection required from all areas of the school.
The drop‑in sessions were a valuable part of the process. Although we had timetabled people to meet with him, Durell also offered open sessions so that any colleague could seek advice. This flexibility made a big difference, as did his calm, knowledgeable presence.
He was also not afraid to offer practical, on‑the‑ground observations, for example highlighting displays that should be updated, recommending useful books, and calling attention to the small but important details that can often be overlooked.
By the time our inspection took place, nine months after we began our work, we felt fully prepared.
Working with Durell not only helped us through this inspection cycle but also strengthened my own knowledge of what it takes to be inspection‑ready as a school.
For any school considering working with RSAcademics I would strongly encourage you to get in touch. They listen carefully, tailor their support to your specific needs, and build a bespoke package that is genuinely useful.
For us, the experience was enormously valuable, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.