Devonshire House Preparatory School

Devonshire House Preparatory School, located in Hampstead, London, is a co-educational day school catering for pupils aged two to thirteen. Established in 1989, the school operates across three sites in a residential area and has recently undergone significant changes, including the appointment of a new headteacher in September 2022 and becoming part of Dukes Education in March 2022. The school currently has 506 pupils enrolled, with a diverse population that includes 39 students identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, and 23 pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing, happy, and safe environment that fosters kindness, tolerance, and integrity among its pupils. It aims to inspire a love of learning while achieving high academic standards and developing creativity and innovative thinking. The school emphasizes the importance of pupil wellbeing, placing it at the heart of its educational philosophy. Leaders actively promote this wellbeing and ensure that pupils have equal access to the curriculum.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from March 19 to 21, 2024, highlighted several strengths of the school. The local governing board plays a crucial role in providing robust oversight and challenge to school leaders, which supports the evaluation of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The governing body engages with pupils, staff, and parents to gather feedback, which is carefully considered in the school’s development planning.

The curriculum at Devonshire House is broad and balanced, enhanced by a variety of extracurricular activities, educational visits, and guest speakers that enrich pupils' understanding of their studies. The school has been successful in enabling the majority of its pupils to progress to selective entry schools, although there is room for improvement in utilizing academic data to identify and address gaps in learning. The teaching staff is described as enthusiastic and knowledgeable, creating an engaging learning environment that motivates pupils. However, the impact of teaching could be further enhanced through consistent monitoring and sharing of best practices across all subjects.

In the early years, children in Nursery and Reception thrive due to the individualized care and attention they receive from staff. The positive atmosphere in these classes contributes to the children’s progress and high levels of wellbeing. The school has established robust health and safety processes, with safeguarding embedded in its culture, positively impacting pupil welfare. The nutritious food provided and the emphasis on regular exercise support pupils' physical wellbeing. Additionally, the school offers various resources to support mental health and emotional wellbeing, including counseling services.

Pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education, with a curriculum that highlights the diversity of British society and encourages appreciation for different backgrounds. The school’s ecocouncil actively promotes environmental initiatives, demonstrating meaningful engagement with the local community. The inspection found that all relevant standards regarding leadership, management, education quality, pupil wellbeing, social and economic education, and safeguarding were met.

The report recommended several next steps for the school. Leaders should implement an effective system for monitoring teaching and learning to share best practices across all subjects. They are also encouraged to use academic data systematically to track pupil progress and address the needs of all age and ability groups. Furthermore, the relationships and sex education program should be reviewed to ensure it meets the developmental needs of pupils across all age groups.

The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders fulfilling their responsibilities in promoting pupil wellbeing and ensuring equality of access to the curriculum. The local governing board provides rigorous support and challenge, enhancing pupil outcomes. The school’s self-evaluation process is comprehensive, allowing leaders to identify strengths and areas for development. The wellbeing of pupils is prioritized, with open and tolerant relationships evident in classrooms and during breaks.

Pupils have an active voice in the school, with meaningful forums such as the school council contributing to school improvement. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with no discrimination in lessons, and reasonable adjustments are made for pupils with disabilities. Staff receive regular training to support the quality of teaching and learning, and most lessons positively impact pupil progress and achievements.

The quality of education, training, and recreation is well-regarded, with a curriculum that is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Staff effectively assess pupil progress and adapt their teaching to meet individual needs. However, there is a need for more consistent use of data analysis across the curriculum to identify learning gaps and implement suitable interventions. The marking of pupils' work could also be improved to provide clearer guidance on how to enhance their learning.

Pupils demonstrate a rich appreciation of the spiritual aspects of life, engaging enthusiastically in various learning activities. The school’s behavior policy is effective, promoting clear moral values and well-managed behavior. Pupils receive guidance on safeguarding their physical and mental health, although the relationships and sex education lessons could be more relevant and engaging.

Physical health is promoted through a varied sports program, and pupils demonstrate appropriate fitness levels in physical education lessons. The school provides nutritious food options and promotes healthy eating habits. The personal, emotional, and physical development of early years children is actively supported in a caring environment.

The school maintains appropriate medical facilities for pupils and has effective procedures for managing injuries and health issues. Leaders take reasonable precautions to ensure pupil safety on and off-site, with well-maintained premises and suitable supervision during school activities. The school implements health and safety guidance rigorously, including regular fire drills to ensure pupils understand evacuation procedures.

The safeguarding culture at Devonshire House is strong, characterized by high vigilance and effective interventions to protect pupil wellbeing. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. The school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy that is accessible to all staff and parents, and the local governing board provides robust oversight of safeguarding practices.

In summary, Devonshire House Preparatory School is a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritizes pupil wellbeing and academic achievement. The school meets all relevant standards and is committed to continuous improvement, with clear plans for enhancing teaching practices and addressing the needs of all pupils. The strong leadership, effective governance, and dedicated staff contribute to a positive educational experience for all students.