The Falcons School for Girls

The Falcons School for Girls is an independent day school located in Putney, London, catering for female pupils aged 4 to 11. The school also includes Peregrines Nursery School, which is co-educational for children aged 3 to 4. Owned and governed by the Alpha Plus Group, the school moved to its current premises in September 2014, comprising four separate buildings on the same road. Since the last inspection, there has been a change in headmistress, and a small number of boys have joined the nursery.

The school aims to foster emotional well-being alongside academic achievement, encouraging children to be ambitious in their learning while nurturing their natural curiosity, positivity, and resilience. The school emphasizes the importance of leading by example and engaging children in their roles as citizens in a rapidly changing world. The pupils come from diverse professional backgrounds, primarily residing within a two-mile radius of the school. The school assesses that the ability of its pupils is above average, with 18 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, most of whom receive additional support. English is an additional language for 18 pupils, and the curriculum is modified for 22 pupils identified as more able.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that the school meets the standards set by the Department for Education. The inspection focused on key areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the provision of information to parents. The school was found to have appropriate measures in place to safeguard pupils, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements were met, and a disability access plan is in place. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance registers and has a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The quality of education provided at the school is commendable. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. Teaching enables pupils to make good progress, and effective behavior management is in place. The school uses its own framework to determine attainment rather than the national framework, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education that meets their needs.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to develop a strong moral compass and understand the importance of acceptable behavior. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to promote their well-being and ensure proper supervision.

The school has established a robust framework for assessing pupils’ performance, and the standards relating to the quality of education are met. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, effectively fulfilling their responsibilities and promoting the well-being of pupils. The school actively engages with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who are proficient communicators for their age and display exceptional attitudes towards learning. Pupils demonstrate strong knowledge, skills, and understanding across various areas of learning, with their attainment consistently above average. The school encourages independent learning and critical thinking, with pupils actively participating in discussions and debates.

Pupils’ personal development is also excellent, characterized by high levels of self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. They contribute positively to the lives of others and demonstrate significant emotional intelligence and empathy. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and accepted, promoting their overall well-being.

The school has a diverse range of extracurricular activities that are well-received by pupils and parents alike. These activities enhance the educational experience and provide opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests outside the classroom. The school encourages teamwork and social skills, with pupils actively participating in community projects and charitable initiatives.

Overall, the Falcons School for Girls provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to fostering emotional well-being, promoting high academic standards, and developing responsible citizens is evident in its practices and the achievements of its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains a place where pupils are encouraged to be ambitious, curious, and resilient learners.