Fairley House School
30 Causton Street, London, SW1P 4AU
Pupils
215
Ages
6 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr Michael TAYLOR
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£12,413
ISC Associations
ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Check school website
Upon entering Fairley House School, visitors are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for the nurturing environment within. The tour begins with a meeting with the head, who passionately outlines the school’s mission to support children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. The school is dedicated to admitting students with at least average cognitive ability, ensuring a focused and tailored educational experience. It is important to note that the school does not admit children with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, including ADHD, and is not registered to accept children with autism. Additionally, students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) must be proficient enough to access the curriculum.
The school prides itself on its comprehensive assessment process, which includes a three-day multidisciplinary evaluation for prospective students. This assessment involves classroom observation and playground interaction, followed by a feedback session where the school outlines the support available. Parents can request written reports from occupational therapists, educational psychologists, and speech and language therapists, although there is a charge for this service.
The ultimate goal of the school is to reintegrate as many pupils as possible into mainstream education, with most students staying for two to three years. However, the head acknowledges the growing pressure on independent school places, making this transition more challenging than in the past. Despite this, the school maintains strong links with local sixth forms and tutorial colleges, both state and independent, to support students in achieving additional qualifications.
Teaching and learning at Fairley House School are characterised by a flexible and adaptive approach. The school recognises that many parents feel they have exhausted other educational options, and the staff are committed to teaching in a way that aligns with each child’s unique learning style. This approach is particularly effective for children who have previously struggled in more traditional educational settings.
The school begins with an assessment to understand how each child learns, collaboratively produced by occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and teachers. This assessment serves as a benchmark to monitor pupil progress. While inspectors noted that tracking could be improved, the school is CReSTeD registered and employs top-notch benchmarking systems. Parents receive termly updates on their child’s progress, including their reading age.
Class sizes are small, averaging just over eight children, with a maximum of 12, and are based on ability rather than chronological age. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, with therapists actively involved in the teaching and learning process. The school employs inspiring and sometimes unconventional teaching methods, particularly in English and Maths, where a multisensory approach is used to enhance understanding and recall.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vibrant part of school life, with clubs ranging from Taekwondo to sewing, and music and drama playing a significant role. The school offers individual music lessons and hosts several productions each year, showcasing the talents of its students.
Sport is also an integral part of the school experience, with a range of activities offered, including football, netball, rugby, and swimming. While the focus is not on high-profile team glory, the school is effective in arranging matches against strong opposition and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to represent the school.
The ethos of the school is rooted in its history, founded in 1982 by Daphne Hamilton-Fairley in memory of her husband, Professor Gordon Hamilton-Fairley. The school operates on two sites, with juniors located in Lambeth and seniors in SW1, both offering a compact yet well-utilised environment.
Pastoral care is a priority, with an emphasis on building confidence and resilience. The school aims to equip students with the skills to cope with challenges both now and in the future. Pupils are supported in small tutor groups, with additional mentoring available as needed.
Fairley House School is a co-educational day school that provides a supportive and inclusive environment for children with specific learning difficulties. Its commitment to intertwining therapy with education, delivered by dedicated staff, makes it a unique and effective choice for many families.
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Fairley House School is an independent co-educational day school located in central London, catering for pupils with specific learning difficulties, primarily dyslexia and dyspraxia. Established in 1982, the school operates under a charitable trust and is governed by a board of governors. It has two sites approximately a mile apart, with the junior school in Lambeth for pupils from Year 2 to Year 5 and the senior school in Westminster for pupils from Year 6 to Year 11. The school aims to provide a supportive and stimulating environment that fosters multi-sensory learning experiences, helping children to recognize their learning styles and develop confidence and independence.
The school serves a diverse population of 180 pupils, with a broad range of professional backgrounds, primarily from the Greater London area. All pupils are identified as having specific learning difficulties, and a significant number have education, health, and care plans. The school’s assessment data indicates that the overall ability of its pupils is broadly average. The school has adapted its teaching methods to accommodate the unique needs of its students, ensuring that they can make good progress in their academic and personal development.
The recent regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Fairley House School meets all the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection highlighted the quality of education provided, noting that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers a broad range of subjects, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place. The school also provides relationships education and has consulted with parents to ensure that its policies align with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established robust arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils, ensuring that health and safety requirements are met. The school maintains appropriate supervision and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, alongside a disability access plan.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, confirming that appropriate checks are made to ensure their suitability to work with pupils. The premises and accommodation are maintained to a high standard, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission and behavior.
The complaints procedure is effectively managed through a three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
In terms of educational quality, the inspection found that the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils of all abilities make significant progress, often overcoming barriers presented by their specific learning difficulties. The school’s specialist teaching and therapy enable pupils to achieve above their previous expectations, and they are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. Pupils exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, demonstrating initiative, independence, and responsibility.
The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They develop self-confidence and self-esteem, which contribute to their happiness and success as learners. The school fosters a collaborative environment where pupils support and encourage one another, and they become determined and aspirational regarding their future educational paths. The school’s emphasis on emotional well-being helps pupils manage their responses to challenges and relate positively to others.
The inspection recommended that the school further refine its assessment procedures to ensure that all pupils can reach their full potential. The quality of the pupils’ academic achievements is consistently high, with junior pupils making excellent progress relative to their starting points. The curriculum remains broad and balanced, allowing pupils to achieve across a comprehensive range of subjects. In the senior school, pupils work towards GCSEs or alternative pathways, depending on their individual needs and abilities.
Pupils are equipped with strategies to manage their specific learning difficulties, enabling them to engage effectively in their studies. The school’s focus on information and communication technology enhances pupils’ learning experiences, allowing them to overcome barriers caused by their learning difficulties. The supportive environment encourages pupils to take risks in their learning, fostering a positive attitude towards challenges.
Pupils also excel in non-academic areas, participating in various extracurricular activities and competitions. They demonstrate respect and appreciation for diversity, engaging in community service and supporting local and national charities. The school promotes a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding, which is reflected in the positive relationships between pupils and staff.
Overall, Fairley House School provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils with specific learning difficulties can thrive 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 are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The recent inspections affirm the school’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of its pupils and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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