Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Westminster Cathedral Choir School is an independent day and boarding institution for male pupils, established in 1902 to educate the choristers of Westminster Cathedral. The school accommodates choristers as full-time boarders on the upper floors of the prep school, while other pupils attend as day students. As a registered charity, the school is overseen by the Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustee, which delegates responsibilities to a board of governors. The school has undergone significant improvements since its last inspection, including refurbishments to the boarding house and upgrades to information and communication technology as well as playground equipment.

The school's mission is to provide an outstanding, classical, and rigorous academic education while transmitting the Catholic faith with joy and fidelity. It aims to support a world-class choir for Westminster Cathedral and offers pupils exceptional musical opportunities. The school prepares its students for further education through responsibility, experience, and opportunities, including enriching extracurricular activities and both team and individual sports.

The pupil demographic is diverse, with choristers coming from various regions across England. Day pupils typically hail from professional families residing in central, south, and west London, representing a wide range of nationalities. Standardized test data indicates that the overall ability profile of the pupils is above average compared to national averages. The school has identified 15 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, most of whom do not require additional specialist support. Additionally, six pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, but they do not need extra assistance. The school provides extension and additional project work for its most able pupils.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate, approved by the Secretary of State, conducts inspections to assess compliance with the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The recent inspection, conducted in June 2023, was a compliance-only inspection, focusing solely on whether the school meets the required standards. The inspection concluded that the school meets all applicable standards, including those related to the quality of education, welfare, health, and safety of pupils, and the suitability of staff.

The quality of education provided at Westminster Cathedral Choir School is commendable. The school's assessment framework confirms that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management is in place, and suitable resources support teaching. Boarders have access to a well-structured program of activities, and the school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are considered by staff. The school supports the development of good relationships among pupils and staff based on mutual trust and respect.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and bullying is actively prevented. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety, and provisions for first aid are in place. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, and admission and attendance registers are kept as required. A strategic approach to risk assessment is implemented, and a disability access plan is in place.

The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as adequate boarding accommodation that promotes the welfare of all boarders. The school maintains a high standard of health and safety, with appropriate acoustics, lighting, and water provision.

A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the proprietor, the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website, and a suitable statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

The school has an effective complaints handling process, which includes informal, formal, and hearing stages, ensuring that parental complaints are addressed appropriately. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained, including those related to boarding provision.

Leadership and management at Westminster Cathedral Choir School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and appropriate management of boarding ensures that required policies and records are maintained and monitored effectively.

Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Westminster Cathedral Choir School meets all the necessary standards and requirements, providing a high-quality educational experience for its pupils. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and the well-being of its students is evident in its practices and policies. The positive environment fosters not only academic achievement but also personal growth, preparing pupils for future challenges and opportunities.