St Augustine's Priory

St Augustine’s Priory is an independent Catholic day school located in London, catering for pupils aged 3 to 18 years. Established in 1634 in Paris by the Augustinian Canonesses Regular of the Lateran, the school relocated to London in 1911 and has been situated at its current location since 1915. The headteacher, Mrs. Sarah Raffray, has been in position since August 2012, and the school is governed by a board of governors. The school comprises four sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 3 to 7, Junior for ages 7 to 11, Senior for ages 11 to 16, and Priory 6 for ages 16 to 18. As of the latest data, the school has a total enrollment of 455 pupils, predominantly girls, with a small number of boys.

The school aims to prepare its pupils for lifelong effectiveness and success, focusing on developing intellectual risk-taking, emotional strength, self-knowledge, and cultural curiosity. It emphasizes character strength within a community founded on faith, ensuring that pupils graduate equipped with the necessary skills for future success. The student body comes from diverse professional and business backgrounds, with the school assessing that its pupils possess above-average abilities. A total of 54 pupils have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, with additional support provided to those requiring it. The school also caters to pupils with English as an additional language, ensuring that all students receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that St Augustine’s Priory meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection process is guided by the Department for Education, which mandates inspections based on specific criteria, including concerns about a school’s performance. The ISI evaluates schools to ensure compliance with the Independent School Standards, which encompass various aspects of educational quality and regulatory requirements.

The inspection revealed that the quality of education provided at St Augustine’s Priory is commendable. The school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, which has shown performance above the national average for maintained schools at both GCSE and IGCSE levels. In the sixth form, A-level results have been in line with or above the national average, indicating a strong academic performance across all year groups. 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.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship among pupils. This commitment to personal development is reflected in the school’s ethos and the supportive community it cultivates. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school adheres to current statutory guidance, promotes good behavior, and implements measures to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and adequate first aid arrangements are established.

The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, ensuring that all individuals in contact with pupils meet the necessary standards. The school maintains a register of staff and supply staff, complying with regulations regarding their suitability. The premises and accommodation provided for pupils are appropriate, with suitable facilities for personal care and medical needs. The school maintains high standards of health and safety, ensuring that the environment is conducive to learning and development.

St Augustine’s Priory effectively communicates a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, and policies regarding behavior and safety. The school’s safeguarding policy is readily available on its website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents and guardians. Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that concerns are addressed effectively and in a timely manner.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate strong 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. The inspection concluded that St Augustine’s Priory meets all applicable standards, with no further action required as a result of the inspection.

Overall, St Augustine’s Priory exemplifies a commitment to providing a high-quality education within a supportive and nurturing environment. The school’s focus on academic excellence, personal development, and community values positions it as a leading institution for independent education in London. The positive outcomes reflected in the inspection report affirm the school’s dedication to fostering the growth and success of its pupils, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.