St Anthony's Preparatory School

St Anthony’s Prep School, located in Hampstead, London, is a Roman Catholic day school for male pupils, managed by the Inspired Education Group since 2023. The school serves students aged 2 and a half to 13 years and has a total enrollment of 269 pupils. The school operates across two sites that are within close walking distance of each other, with the junior house accommodating pupils from Reception to Year 3, while those in Years 4 to 8 attend the senior house. The school also opened a coeducational nursery in September 2023.

The recent inspection, conducted from January 23 to 25, 2024, by a team of three inspectors, evaluated the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection included various activities such as lesson observations, discussions with school leaders and pupils, and scrutiny of pupils' work and school policies. The inspectors also considered feedback from parents and staff through pre-inspection surveys.

The inspection findings indicate that the school is successful in providing a high-quality education, particularly in English and mathematics, enabling pupils to gain entry to a range of secondary schools, many of which are academically selective. The school’s Catholic ethos is deeply embedded in all aspects of school life, fostering a sense of community and charity among pupils. Leaders reflect on and plan to ensure that the school’s religious foundation supports and guides pupils, which is evident in the rigorous pastoral systems in place.

The curriculum is generally well-developed, with effective monitoring by school leaders. However, the creative aspects of the curriculum, particularly in music and art, are less established, resulting in pupils not developing skills and knowledge in these areas as successfully as in other subjects. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with secure arrangements in place. Leaders are well-trained and have cultivated a positive culture where pupils feel safe and their views are valued.

Governance oversight is effective, particularly concerning health and safety, fire safety, and first aid. Leaders ensure that pupils are well-supervised throughout the school day. While teachers demonstrate secure long-term curriculum planning, there is a need for improvement in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) at the upper end of the school. This has led to occasional slow progress for these pupils.

Pupils exhibit a genuine passion for learning and strive to excel, a trait fostered from an early age. They are socially mature and enjoy learning and playing together, appreciating the cultural diversity within the school. The environment created by leaders promotes mutual respect and values for others, reinforced through specific curriculum content and meaningful community links.

The inspection concluded that the school meets all relevant standards relating to leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils’ physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. However, it was recommended that leaders ensure that creative subjects offer the same breadth and depth of opportunity as other areas of the curriculum and that teaching in the senior part of the school consistently considers the needs of pupils with SEND.

In terms of leadership and management, the school leaders create a harmonious working environment that supports pupil wellbeing. They implement school policies effectively, providing clear direction and guidance, particularly in safeguarding and early years education. Governors engage effectively with school leaders and utilize their skills to shape school development. Leaders are knowledgeable about pupil development and health and safety matters, balancing guidance with allowing staff to bring their expertise to teaching.

The school has a clear structure for growth and development, incorporating monitoring strategies that enable both pupils and teachers to contribute to development planning. This consultative approach has led to positive changes, such as improvements in the dining hall menu and assessment policies. However, the development of the creative curriculum requires more focus on staffing, monitoring, and resources to enhance pupils’ knowledge and skills in subjects like music and art.

Leaders understand the importance of risk management and have taken steps to mitigate risks to ensure pupil safety. This includes effective management of crossing busy roads and implementing safer recruitment processes. Pupils learn about diversity and respect for others, with the school addressing topics such as same-sex marriage and gender equality appropriately.

The school has a well-documented complaints procedure and ensures that information for current and prospective parents is readily available on its website. Parents receive regular detailed reports on their child’s progress and attainment.

In the early years, leaders provide oversight that enables children to develop a range of skills, including early reading and communication. The structured approach to teaching supports children’s development and lays a strong foundation for their future learning. Staff use assessments effectively to identify underperformance and implement support strategies, resulting in good pupil achievement.

The curriculum for all ages is suitable, providing valuable experiences across all learning areas, although there is a noted need for improvement in music and art. Teachers in the junior house effectively build on prior learning, and teaching assistants contribute significantly to pupil learning and behavior management.

Older pupils with SEND are identified, but the support provided is not always sufficient to help them learn effectively. Planning does not consistently adapt to meet their specific needs. However, pupils with English as an additional language receive effective support to develop their fluency.

Teachers deliver well-planned and stimulating lessons that engage pupils and promote good progress. High expectations for behavior are set, and pupils perform well in tests and competitions, often securing places at competitive senior schools. Leaders provide a wide range of additional activities that help pupils develop their physical, academic, and creative skills.

Pupils are enthusiastic learners who take pride in their work and are motivated to succeed. They receive constructive feedback from teachers, which aids their understanding of how to improve. The school actively promotes fundamental British values, integrating them into the curriculum and providing opportunities for pupils to understand democracy and the rule of law.

Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong, showing respect towards staff and peers. They are involved in charitable initiatives, which broadens their global knowledge and humanitarian outlook. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life, strengthening the community ties.

The school promotes a careers week for pupils, providing insights into various roles and occupations, helping them understand future opportunities. Leaders are mindful of gender representation in different roles, ensuring pupils recognize that everyone can be successful.

Overall, St Anthony’s Prep School meets all relevant standards and provides a nurturing environment that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school’s commitment to its Catholic ethos, combined with effective leadership and governance, contributes to a positive educational experience for all students.