St Olave's Prep School

St Olave’s Preparatory School is an independent day school located in New Eltham, London, catering for boys and girls aged between three and eleven years. Established in 1932, the school has been managed by a charitable trust since 1972 and is governed by a board of trustees. The school is divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged three to five, the lower school for pupils aged five to seven, and the upper school for those aged seven to eleven. Recently, the school has expanded its facilities to include purpose-built accommodation for early years, an all-weather play area, and an allotment.

The school’s mission is to foster independent thinking and academic success in a nurturing environment that promotes resilience and risk-taking. It emphasizes values such as compassion, commitment, curiosity, collaboration, courage, and creativity, aiming to create a joyful and vibrant learning atmosphere. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various cultural backgrounds within a ten-mile radius of the school. The school’s assessments indicate that the pupils’ abilities are above average, and it has identified a number of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing them with additional support.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that St Olave’s meets the standards set by the Department for Education. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school effectively promotes good behavior, safeguards pupils, and meets health and safety requirements. The school maintains appropriate records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, ensuring a safe environment for all students.

In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework for assessing pupil attainment, which is supported by a well-documented curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects. The teaching methods are effective, enabling pupils to make good progress, and the school has a suitable framework for assessing performance. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and English as an additional language (EAL), ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, helping them become responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage with their community and understand the importance of respect and kindness towards others. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with measures in place to prevent bullying and promote good behavior. The school has a comprehensive approach to safeguarding, ensuring that all staff are suitable to work with children.

The premises of the school are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behavior. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The school’s leaders actively promote the well-being of pupils and ensure that the standards are consistently met. The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, noting that they develop positive attitudes towards learning and are eager to take risks in their education. Pupils of all abilities, including those with SEND and EAL, achieve very well, demonstrating strong communication skills and resourcefulness in their learning.

Pupils’ personal development is also excellent, with strong social skills and a willingness to learn from one another. They take responsibility for their behavior and show kindness and consideration towards others. The school fosters a sense of self-esteem and happiness among pupils, preparing them well for the next stages of their education. The school encourages pupils to extend their achievements in creative and aesthetic areas, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education.

The school’s commitment to promoting mental fitness and well-being is evident in its curriculum and activities. Pupils are encouraged to engage in reflective practices and understand the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The school’s emphasis on personal development is matched by its focus on academic achievement, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future challenges.

Overall, St Olave’s Preparatory School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils can flourish academically and personally. The school’s commitment to high standards of education, combined with its focus on the holistic development of each child, ensures that pupils leave well-equipped for their future endeavors. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school’s success in achieving its mission and values, making it a desirable choice for families seeking a quality education for their children.