Colfe's School

Colfe’s School is a co-educational day school located in South East London, catering for pupils aged three to eighteen. Established in the sixteenth century, the school has a rich history and was entrusted to the Leathersellers’ livery company in the seventeenth century. It became an independent institution in 1977 and operates as a registered charity overseen by a governing body appointed by the Leathersellers’ company. The school shares its site between the junior and senior schools, fostering a cohesive educational environment.

The school’s mission is to develop each pupil’s abilities to their fullest potential, emphasizing high-quality learning and scholarship alongside a diverse range of cultural, sporting, and extracurricular activities. Colfe’s School aims to nurture spiritual and moral values in accordance with the Christian principles of its founder. A strong focus on happiness and mutual respect is central to the school culture, encouraging pupils to learn from one another and grow as individuals.

Pupils at Colfe’s School come from a variety of backgrounds across South East London. The school has a selective intake, and national standardized tests indicate that the ability profile of pupils in both the junior and senior schools is above average. The school has identified 210 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, with 82 receiving additional specialist support. Additionally, 145 pupils speak English as an additional language, with three receiving extra assistance. All pupils engage in a wide array of extension work and enrichment activities tailored to their interests and talents.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) assesses whether the school meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection process is guided by the Department for Education (DfE) and includes a review of the school’s adherence to statutory guidance, safeguarding measures, and the overall quality of education provided.

The key findings from the inspection indicate that Colfe’s School meets all the standards outlined in the regulations, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is commendable, with the junior school utilizing its own framework for determining attainment rather than the national framework. Performance at the GCSE level from 2014 to 2017 has consistently been above the national average for maintained schools. Similarly, A-level results in the sixth form during the same period have been well above the national average for sixth formers in maintained schools. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. Effective behavior management and suitable resources further enhance the learning environment.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school’s principles and values align with this objective, ensuring that pupils are equipped to contribute positively to society. The standards related to this aspect of education are met, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic development.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established robust arrangements to safeguard and promote the well-being of its pupils. These measures adhere to current statutory guidance, promoting good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements, including fire safety, are met, and provisions for first aid are in place. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, and employs a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils.

The suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors is rigorously checked, with a register maintained as required. This ensures that all individuals in contact with pupils are appropriately vetted, contributing to a safe educational environment. The standards regarding the suitability of staff are met, reinforcing the school’s commitment to safeguarding.

Colfe’s School provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate accommodation for medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment. Acoustics and lighting are appropriate, and there is sufficient outdoor space for physical education and play. The standards related to premises and accommodation are met, reflecting the school’s dedication to providing a high-quality physical environment for its pupils.

The school effectively communicates a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the DfE. This includes details about the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily available on the school’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents. The standard relating to the provision of information is met, demonstrating the school’s commitment to keeping stakeholders informed.

Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to parental concerns. The standard regarding the handling of complaints is met, reflecting the school’s commitment to addressing issues effectively.

Leadership and management at Colfe’s School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and consistently meets the required standards. The standard relating to leadership and management is met, indicating a strong governance structure that supports the school’s mission and objectives.

The inspection evidence gathered through lesson observations, interviews with pupils, and discussions with staff and governors provides a comprehensive view of the school’s operations. The inspectors also reviewed samples of pupils’ work and observed extracurricular activities, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the school’s educational quality and compliance with regulations.

In conclusion, Colfe’s School exemplifies a commitment to high educational standards, holistic pupil development, and effective governance. The school meets all regulatory requirements and provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. The positive findings from the inspection reflect the school’s dedication to its mission and the well-being of its pupils.