Scarisbrick Hall School earns rare 'Significant Strength' recognition in ISI Inspection

SCARISBRICK Hall School has been formally recognised as unique, rare and exceptional following the outcome of its latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection. The newly published report confirms that the School meets all required Independent School Standards and highlights 1 particularly notable achievement:- the identification of a:- "significant strength" within the School's provision; an accolade awarded to fewer than:- 1 in 10 independent Schools nationally. Under the current ISI framework, inspectors no longer provide overall judgements such as:- "Excellent" or:- "Good." Instead, they determine whether Schools meet national standards, making the identification of a significant strength both uncommon and especially meaningful. The framework defines a significant strength as:- "an aspect of a School's provision that is exceptionally effective, clearly embedded across the School, and has a demonstrably strong impact on pupils' learning, development or wellbeing."

Scarisbrick Hall School, situated on Southport Road, between Southport and Ormskirk, is a leading independent School offering exceptional education from birth to the age of:- 18. The award winning co-educational independent School is recognised as the top 6 Form in the North of England and among the top 10 nationally for progress and value added.

RIVER Philosophy Recognised as Core to School Success

ISI Inspectors singled out Scarisbrick Hall School's unique RIVER philosophy; resilience, independence, values, exploration and reflection; as a defining and transformational feature of its educational approach. The report notes that:- "leaders' very thorough and effective application of the School's teaching philosophy is a significant strength of the School."

According to inspectors, this philosophy is:- "deeply embedded throughout all parts of the School's provision." Its impact on pupils is clear, with staff offering:- "highly effective guidance and support" that helps pupils develop:- "a very mature and sophisticated attitude towards their learning."

The report highlights that pupils approach their education:- "in a consistently determined, assured and confident manner," demonstrating exceptional wellbeing and a balanced approach to academic achievement and personal development.

High Standards Met Across the ISI Framework

The School successfully met every required standard within the ISI inspection areas, including:-

Leadership, management and Governance.
Quality of education.
Physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Social and economic education.

Safeguarding and contribution to society...

Inspectors praised the close working relationship between directors, leaders and staff, noting that:- "the directors work closely with leaders and staff to provide appropriate and effective support and challenge." The School's commitment to:- ongoing improvement, actively seeking feedback from pupils, staff and parents; was also recognised.

Strong Curriculum, Teaching and Pupil Attitudes...

The report commended the School's well-planned and broad curriculum, supported by a comprehensive extra‐curricular programme. Pupils':- "high levels of motivation" were repeatedly acknowledged, alongside the strong academic outcomes they consistently achieve.

Teaching across the School received high praise, particularly the ways in which staff cultivate pupils' maturity, resilience and intellectual curiosity. The breadth of stretch and challenge, especially for the most able pupils, was highlighted as a key strength.

Exceptional Early Years Provision...

Inspectors were especially impressed by the early years setting, describing a nurturing and stimulating environment that enables young children to flourish. They noted that children benefit from a wide range of carefully planned indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, supported by staff who promote wellbeing effectively.

Children in the early years were observed to develop:- "secure learning characteristics" that foster confidence, enjoyment and self esteem when embracing new experiences.

Leadership, Service and Community Contribution...

The report emphasised the many leadership opportunities available to pupils, including roles such as:- prefects, house captains, buddies and School Council representatives. Inspectors praised the School's extensive charitable and community engagement programmes, recognising the positive contributions pupils make beyond the classroom.

Safeguarding was confirmed to be robust and well embedded, with leaders and staff working closely to maintain a strong culture of vigilance.

Beautiful Beginnings Setting Also Receives Strong Recognition...

Alongside the main School, Scarisbrick Hall's registered early years setting, Beautiful Beginnings, was also inspected and confirmed to have met all required EYFS standards. While headline judgements are no longer issued, inspectors recognised consistently strong practice, noting that staff promote excellent behaviour, model respectful relationships and foster a culture of positivity and happiness. Children were described as enthusiastic learners who cooperate well, understand routines and demonstrate patience and confidence.

Scarisbrick Hall School Headmaster Mr Jeff Shaw said:- "This report is a tribute to our staff, pupils and parents. It provides clear external recognition of a School that combines achievement, character and wellbeing in a truly distinctive way."

Scarisbrick Hall School, is located on the border of Merseyside and Lancashire, on:- Southport Road, Ormskirk, L409RQ, is inviting people to a:- 'Whole School Open Day,' from:- 9am to 2pm, on:- Saturday, 16 May 2026. For more details please email:- Enquiries@ScarisbrickhallSchool.Co.UK.

Labyrinth Studios continues to grow with new teen classes, corporate wellbeing events and coffee mornings

THE new Labyrinth Studios is continuing to grow the numbers of people enjoying its classes after its successful opening in Southport just before Christmas 2025. The studios are perfectly placed on the 2 floor above Barclays Bank right at the centre of Lord Street, ideal for people living or working in Southport Town Centre, or for visitors coming in. Labyrinth is owned by local fitness and wellness enthusiast Emily Cain, aged 25, who is continuing to develop the services available.
New additions include weekly Teen Pilates classes, while Labyrinth is also working with local businesses to create healthier and happier colleagues.

Are you looking for something positive and energising for your teen?

The new Teen Pilates class at Labyrinth Studios is the perfect way to build:- strength, improve confidence and support overall wellbeing in a friendly, relaxed environment.
It's also a great opportunity to switch off from phones and take a break from screens giving them time to reset, move their body and focus on themselves.
They take place on:- Thursdays, at:- 5pm, and are suitable for ages:- 12 to 17, for just:- �5 per class.

Emily said:- "They were inspired through the success of adult classes at Labyrinth, with lots of people asking for classes for younger family members. This seemed like a brilliant thing to do. Rather than children coming along and joining in adult classes, it seemed a good opportunity to start new sessions. These are 40 minute Pilates classes. They are perfect for students wanting to relax when they're doing things like studying for their GCSEs, or who just want to switch off from their phones and from social media. I'm fully DBS checked. I also offer lymphatic drainage massage, which helps to reduce bloating, depuff, and energise the body. These massages focus on lowering inflammation and aiding digestion. They are perfect for anyone dealing with endometriosis or menopause who is looking for a reset. Lymphatic massages start from just:- �35 and can be booked via:-TheLabyrinth.Booksy.Com. We are now running monthly coffee mornings on the last Sunday of the month at 11am. Participants can enjoy a Pilates class followed by coffee together at Wine & Words by Watson on Lord Street, to help build a stronger community."

As well as working at the studios, Emily is also working with local businesses keen to bring some health and wellbeing to their employees.

She said:- "I was among practitioners who took part in the recent Wellness Day at EFT Group in Southport. I really enjoyed it! It was a fabulous event. It went really well. They had around 150 people enjoying a variety of ways of learning about mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing and more. I led some Pilates and Wellbeing sessions and would love to do something similar for any other corporate events locally. I can really help with skills such as:- learning improved breathing techniques, reducing stress, and more. A healthier and more mindful workforce will always be a more productive workforce. Pilates for example is so good for people who are sitting down at their desks all day, it is perfect for creating better bone health and better muscle health as well as being more mindful. It can help to relax muscles, and to build strength. I see a lot of people who say they work hard 9-5 and struggle to find time to squeeze in fitness as well. It makes sense for me to come to your workplace. I am mobile, and can offer a variety of different sessions."

Visitors to Labyrinth Studios can enjoy Pilates, Yoga, Sound Baths, Wellness, Meditation and Stretch Classes with a series of classes and instructors.

This calm, welcoming space will help you to strengthen your body, soothe your mind and reconnect with yourself.

If you fancy going along to try it out, you can even claim your first Pilates class for free with code:- 'FIRST' at checkout on the Labyrinth Studios website.

Emily, who lives in Formby, has been a fitness enthusiast all her life and thought there was a real need for somewhere like The Labyrinth Studios in Southport Town Centre.

She said:- "We opened The Labyrinth Studios on:- 1 December and have had a fantastic response. Health and wellbeing should be 1 of your priorities. If you can get that right, then other good things will follow. Our core offering is mat-based Pilates classes, carefully structured to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your practice, our classes are welcoming, adaptable, and supportive of everybody. I also offer courses in wellbeing and mindfulness, so I am interested in working with local businesses to support the health of your employees."

Emily hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, including:-

Themed movement sessions that blend Pilates with music, breathwork, or mindfulness.
Wellness workshops on topics such as:- mobility, holistic health, and stress release.
Community gatherings like seasonal celebrations, talks, or collaborative events with local creatives and practitioners.
Monthly wellness days.
Monthly:- �1 community Pilates classes with goodie bags and snacks.
There are a variety of rooms which host classes, including:- a treatment room, offering massage, reiki, etc. There is a zen room for relaxation and soundbaths.
The treatment room is available to hire. There are other spaces available for practitioners to use for events or retreats on enquiry.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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Scarisbrick Hall School earns rare 'Significant Strength' recognition in ISI Inspection

Labyrinth Studios continues to grow with new teen classes, corporate wellbeing events and coffee mornings