Clifton Lodge School

Clifton Lodge School, an independent co-educational day school located in Ealing, London, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1979. Initially established as a school for boys, it transitioned to a co-educational institution in 2012. The school has been part of Cognita Schools Ltd since 2008, which oversees its operations. The school caters to children aged 3 to 11 years, divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3 to 5, pre-prep for ages 5 to 7, and prep for ages 7 to 11. As of March 2023, the school has 117 pupils enrolled, including 31 in EYFS, 33 in pre-prep, and 53 in prep.

The current head, Mr. Michael Belsito, took on his role in September 2022. The school aims to foster a love of learning among its pupils, encouraging curiosity and resilience through a growth mindset. It seeks to nurture individual talents while helping students confront challenges. The school emphasizes character development, guiding pupils to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and to practice the virtues it promotes.

The demographic of the school reflects a diverse range of local families, with pupils coming from various professional and business backgrounds. The school's assessment data indicates that the ability of pupils upon entry is above average compared to national standards. Currently, 15 pupils are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receiving additional support, while 20 pupils are classified as having English as an additional language (EAL). The school also recognizes 25 pupils as the most able, providing a modified curriculum to cater to their talents in areas such as art, music, and drama.

In March 2023, the Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance and educational quality inspection at Clifton Lodge School. The inspection assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the quality of education provided. The key findings indicated that the school meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required following the inspection.

The quality of education at Clifton Lodge School is characterized by effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering a broad range of subjects. The school provides relationships education, having consulted with parents and published a policy in line with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage with moral values and principles, contributing to their personal development. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions.

Clifton Lodge School ensures the suitability of staff through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. The premises and accommodation are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies on admissions, behavior, and health and safety.

The handling of parental complaints is managed effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to maintain high standards and promote pupil well-being.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic and personal achievements of pupils. They attain high standards and make rapid progress from their starting points, displaying outstanding knowledge, skills, and understanding across the curriculum. Pupils exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, demonstrating motivation and engagement in their studies. Their communication skills are advanced for their age, contributing to their overall success.

The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They show strong self-understanding, confidence, and perseverance, with advanced moral sensibilities. Social and collaborative skills are well-developed, and pupils demonstrate a deep appreciation of diversity and respect for different backgrounds and cultures. The school promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, fostering an inclusive environment.

Pupils exhibit strong spiritual awareness, engaging thoughtfully with various spiritual ideas and showing respect for different beliefs. They demonstrate excellent decision-making skills and contribute positively to the school and wider community through various roles and responsibilities. Their understanding of safety and health is robust, with pupils articulating strategies to maintain their well-being and navigate online safety effectively.

The inspection evidence supports the view that Clifton Lodge School provides a high-quality education, fostering both academic excellence and personal development. The school successfully meets its aims of nurturing scholarly pupils who love learning and are curious about the world around them. The positive feedback from parents and pupils reflects the school's commitment to creating a supportive and enriching educational environment. Overall, Clifton Lodge School stands out as a thriving institution that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils while maintaining high standards of educational quality and compliance.