Durston House School
1214 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London, W5 2DR
Pupils
389
Ages
4 - 13
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Giles Entwisle
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£4,750 to £6,180
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About Durston House School
Durston House School, located in the heart of London, has undergone a significant transformation following its merger with Harvington Prep in September 2023. This merger has marked the school’s transition from a boys’ school to a co-educational environment, welcoming children from nursery (referred to as pre-school) through to year 8. The school now offers entry points for children as young as three, with reception being the next main entry point. For those seeking admission from year 1 onwards, places are offered based on an assessment in English and Maths, alongside an interview and school report. The school has a reputation for preparing pupils for entry into top London schools, with a focus on ensuring a seamless transition to senior school.
The merger has been well-received by parents, who appreciate the expanded facilities and the opportunity for their children to experience a co-educational setting. The integration of Harvington Prep’s students has brought a new dynamic to the school, with some year groups now having a significant number of girls, while others are still predominantly boys. The school has invested £1.4 million in joining the two sites, resulting in a more spacious and well-organised environment. The head of the school is committed to maintaining high standards while planning for a future move to a carbon-neutral site.
Academically, the school has a strong focus on traditional subjects, with rigorous teaching methods and a commitment to fostering higher-order thinking skills. Latin is a particular strength, and French is taught by the head, supported by two other modern foreign language specialists. Science and Maths are highly regarded by parents, with teaching that encourages pupils to think like scientists. History is also well-taught, with trips to places like York and Pompeii enhancing the curriculum.
The school places a strong emphasis on individualised learning, with small class sizes and a dedicated Head of Learning Support to assist the 10% of pupils on the SEN register. The school offers a range of enrichment clubs, from chess and coding to street dance and animation, catering for a wide array of interests. Music has been enriched by the inclusion of girls, with many pupils playing instruments to a high standard. The school’s orchestra and choirs are highlights of the school year, with performances at events such as the spring concert and carol service.
Sport is a key component of the school’s offering, with a sport-for-all policy that encourages participation across a range of activities. Football, rugby, hockey, and netball are popular, with cricket, tennis, and athletics taking centre stage in the summer term. The school hosts an annual tournament for 10 London schools, showcasing its commitment to competitive sport.
The wellbeing of pupils is a priority, with a focus on mental and emotional health. The school employs a therapy dog and has trained many teachers in mental health first aid. Pupils are encouraged to express their opinions, with a strong pupil voice influencing decisions on charity events and school policies. The school fosters a sense of community, with a diverse student body where 37 different languages are spoken at home.
Parents are actively involved in the school community, with a lively parent association organising fundraising events and activities. The school offers one or two 100% bursaries per year to bright pupils from year 3 upwards, ensuring that talented students have the opportunity to benefit from the school’s offerings.
In summary, Durston House School is a busy and academic prep school that has embraced its new co-educational status. The values of kindness, respect, and independence are evident throughout the school, creating an environment where pupils are encouraged to excel both academically and personally. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Durston House School is an independent day school located in Ealing, London, catering for male pupils aged 4 to 13. Founded in 1886, the school is governed by a body that oversees its operations across three distinct sections: pre-prep for ages 4 to 7, junior school for ages 7 to 9, and middle and upper school for ages 9 to 13. The current headteacher, Mr. Giles Entwisle, has been in position since September 2020. The school aims to provide a high-quality and varied education, preparing pupils for entry into senior schools while fostering excellence in academic, creative, and physical pursuits. It emphasizes a warm and caring environment where security and happiness are paramount.
The school serves a diverse population, with most pupils coming from local families with various professional backgrounds. Assessment data indicates that pupils enter the school with above-average abilities compared to national standards. The school supports 40 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing additional specialist help, while seven pupils receive support for English as an additional language. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils, ensuring that all students are challenged appropriately.
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
In terms of educational quality, the school demonstrates a solid framework for assessment, enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by effective plans and resources. Teaching practices facilitate good progress, and the school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance.
However, the inspection highlighted concerns regarding the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils. While the school promotes principles of tolerance and law-abiding citizenship, older pupils expressed doubts about the implementation of fairness and respect within the school environment. A minority of pupils indicated that they do not feel treated fairly, particularly regarding the behavior policy's enforcement.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are generally well-managed, with appropriate arrangements in place for safeguarding, health and safety, and first aid. However, the school does not effectively promote good behavior, as many older pupils reported inconsistencies in the behavior policy's application. This inconsistency has led to a perception among some pupils that the school does not foster a culture of kindness and respect.
The inspection confirmed that the school makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required. The premises are adequately maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including medical and therapy requirements. The school publishes a range of information for parents and stakeholders, meeting the standards for information provision.
Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately. The leadership and management of the school, however, were found lacking in demonstrating the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that all standards are consistently met. This deficiency has implications for the overall effectiveness of the school's governance and its ability to promote pupil well-being.
The educational quality inspection highlighted that pupils' academic achievements are excellent, with rapid progress observed across all age groups. Pupils consistently attain well beyond average national expectations, demonstrating outstanding knowledge, skills, and understanding. Their positive attitudes towards learning and achievement are evident, with strong communication and numeracy skills across the school.
Pupils' personal development is rated as good, with excellent collaborative skills and a strong appreciation of diversity. They exhibit a solid understanding of health and safety, including online safety. However, there is a need for improvement in their understanding of when banter may become disrespectful or unkind, as well as the importance of challenging such behavior.
The school is advised to strengthen pupils' understanding of respectful interactions and the significance of addressing disrespectful behavior. This improvement is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Overall, Durston House School provides a quality education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and personal development. However, it faces challenges in ensuring consistent implementation of its behavior policies and promoting a culture of respect and kindness among pupils. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the school's continued success and the well-being of its students. The school is encouraged to take immediate action to remedy the identified deficiencies and enhance the overall educational experience for all pupils.
Read full review
What Others Say
Durston House School Location
Advertising Partners
Recent School Posts
Browse by features
Last Updated: 8 October 2024