Cumnor House School
168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, CR2 6DA
Pupils
406
Ages
2 - 4
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Miss Emma Edwards
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,965 to £5,325
ISC Associations
IAPS
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Cumnor House School
Cumnor House School, located in South Croydon, offers a unique and enriching educational experience for boys aged two to 13. With a three-form intake and a maximum of 18 boys per class, the school ensures personalised attention and a nurturing environment. One of the standout features is the automatic entry from the school’s two nurseries, one situated across the road and the other in Purley. These nurseries are undergoing a rebrand as preschools to focus more on education rather than day care, a change that has been well-received by parents.
The school’s admissions process is non-selective, yet it boasts an impressive exit record. Most boys transition to prestigious schools such as Trinity, Whitgift, Royal Russell, and Caterham, among others. The school has embraced the 11+ journey, providing dedicated classes and support for those opting for this route. In 2022, nine boys secured places at local selective grammar schools, and 47 scholarships were awarded. The school offers booster sessions, after-school classes, and drop-in clinics to support both 11+ and 13+ preparations, ensuring a personalised approach to each student’s educational journey.
Despite its non-selective nature, Cumnor House School is not for the faint-hearted. The school day runs from 8 am to 4 pm, and the boys are engaged in rigorous academic work. However, the lively and engaging teaching methods make learning enjoyable. The boys are enthusiastic about their lessons, with imaginative and high-standard work evident throughout the school. The strong Special Educational Needs (SEN) team supports the 10% of boys requiring extra help, mainly for dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ASD. The school also offers six-week nurturing groups to improve self-esteem and self-regulation as part of its wider SEN provision.
The school operates on the ethos that boys learn differently from girls, and this single-sex education model is valued by both the school and parents. The traditional uniform, consisting of grey shorts, long socks, a tie, blazer, and cap, is swapped for long trousers from year three. Manners are a significant focus, with boys displaying courteous behaviour and respect. Outdoor learning is also a priority, with boys encouraged to play outside in all weathers and a lovely garden area featuring fire pits and plans for a log cabin.
While the school’s campus may initially appear patchwork, with its honeycomb of annexes, it has worked hard on curb-side appeal. The main Victorian site retains a residential feel, with a large, rambling house full of staircases and inglenooks. The classrooms are well-resourced, and the boys’ contentment and achievements are evident. The sports facilities are top-notch, with a huge sports ground, cricket nets, a clubhouse, and a sports hall with a warm, inviting swimming pool. The school’s swimming programme is highly successful, with national and local competition wins. Football and cricket are particularly strong, but rugby and athletics are also well-supported by dedicated PE teachers.
Music and drama are flourishing at the school, with most boys from year three upwards learning one or more instruments. The school boasts four choirs, various ensembles, and bands, with impressive choral singing. Annual choir tours and notable performances, such as at Salzburg Cathedral and Disneyland Paris, highlight the school’s musical achievements. Drama productions are lively and inclusive, ensuring all boys have the opportunity to participate.
Art is not sidelined, with the Head of Art conducting weekly assemblies on different artists and encouraging cross-curricular learning. The school’s gallery allows parents to choose and buy their children’s framed artwork, adding a personal touch to the art programme. Numerous clubs and societies, including popular LEGO and current affairs clubs, encourage boys to try new things and develop diverse interests.
Parents were particularly impressed with the school’s online provision during the pandemic, with engaging lessons and creative offscreen work. The school’s proactive approach, including fortnightly surveys to gather feedback, ensured a balanced and engaging online learning experience.
Since joining the Cognita schools group, Cumnor House School has increased its financial clout in a competitive locality. The school’s ability to take a highly diverse group of boys and turn them into polished, likeable young gentlemen is one of its greatest successes.
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ISI Review
Cumnor House Boys’ School and Nursery is an independent day school located in South Croydon, Surrey, catering for boys aged 2 to 13 years and girls aged 2 to 4 years. Established in 1931, the school became part of the Cognita Schools group in September 2010. The current headmaster, Mr. Daniel Cummings, has been in position since September 2017, and a new director of education was appointed in September 2019 to oversee governance.
The school is organized into three departments: Nursery, Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2), and Prep (Years 3 to 8). The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) operates across two sites, with the Purley site providing term-time care for girls aged 2 to 4 and boys aged 2 to 5, while the South Croydon site offers year-round provision for boys and girls aged 2 to 4.
Cumnor House Boys’ School aims to foster high academic standards through a personalized learning approach, enabling all children to reach their potential. The school emphasizes inspiring, challenging, and supporting each child in their development, preparing them effectively for their transition to senior school. The institution strives to create a compassionate and caring learning environment, encouraging pupils to embody the school’s values and develop leadership skills.
The student body primarily consists of children from professional families with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Data indicates that the pupils' abilities are above average compared to national standards. The school has identified 35 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those with dyslexia and processing issues, all of whom receive additional support. Additionally, 55 pupils are classified as having English as an additional language (EAL), with 14 receiving specialized assistance. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils, particularly those with special talents in music and sports.
The regulatory compliance inspection is conducted by the Department for Education (DfE), which mandates inspections based on a specified frequency or in response to specific concerns. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is responsible for inspecting schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and reporting on their compliance with the Independent School Standards. The inspection evaluates whether the school meets the standards outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, including those related to the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The recent inspection, conducted from March 4 to 5, 2020, was a compliance-only inspection, focusing solely on whether the school meets the required standards. The inspectors found that Cumnor House Boys’ School meets all the standards set forth in the regulations, with no further action required as a result of the inspection.
In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment rather than relying on national benchmarks. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a broad range of material is covered. Teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place. The assessment framework for evaluating pupil performance is also deemed appropriate.
The school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards related to spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development are met, indicating a commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals.
Regarding the welfare, health, and safety of pupils, the school has established arrangements that comply with current statutory guidance. Good behavior is promoted, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements, including fire safety, are met, and provisions for first aid are adequately addressed. Pupils are properly supervised, and attendance registers are maintained as required. The school has a strategic approach to risk assessment and has implemented a disability access plan.
The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. The standards concerning the suitability of individuals in contact with pupils are met, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Cumnor House Boys’ School provides suitable facilities, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, and accommodations for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The premises are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements, with appropriate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. Outdoor spaces are available for physical education and play, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the DfE, including details about the proprietor, the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website, ensuring transparency and communication with stakeholders.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively 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 records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive school environment.
Overall, the inspection concluded that Cumnor House Boys’ School meets all the required standards, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a safe, supportive environment for its pupils. The school’s focus on academic excellence, personal development, and compliance with regulatory standards positions it as a reputable institution within the independent education sector.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024