Orchard House School
16 Newton Grove, London, W4 1LB
16 Newton Grove, London, W4 1LB
Pupils
273
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Kit Thompson
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,318 to £7,053
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
Orchard House School, located in a vibrant area of London, offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for children aged three to eleven. The school prides itself on its non-selective admissions policy, welcoming pupils into nursery and reception on a first-come, first-served basis, and maintaining this inclusive approach throughout the higher years. This ethos ensures a diverse and supportive community where every child is encouraged to thrive.
The school’s academic programme is robust, with a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for the 11+ exams. From year five, students receive tailored advice and benefit from talks by visiting secondary school heads, which helps them make informed decisions about their future education. The school’s commitment to finding the best fit for each child is evident in the wide range of secondary schools its pupils proceed to, including some of London’s most competitive institutions.
Orchard House School’s teaching is widely praised for its creativity and depth. The curriculum is enriched with programmes like weekly thinking-skills sessions and library lessons, fostering a love for learning. English and Maths are set from year three, allowing for targeted support and extension work where needed. While some pupils have expressed concerns about the competitive nature of set placements, the school is attentive to these dynamics and is planning to enhance its facilities with a new science, technology, and computing block.
The school’s commitment to the arts is evident in its vibrant music and drama offerings. A dynamic head of music has expanded the range of instrumental tuition and orchestral opportunities, complementing the existing choirs, rock bands, and annual musical productions. Drama is equally popular, with pupils engaging in sophisticated performances and studies, such as a day dedicated to Macbeth. The art department is thriving, with pupils achieving recognition at prestigious events like the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show.
Sport at Orchard House School has flourished under the guidance of an award-winning head of sport. The school offers a wide array of sporting activities, from rugby and netball to athletics and swimming, ensuring that every child can find a sport they enjoy. The well-equipped playground and nearby facilities at Rock’s Lane provide ample space for both recreational and competitive sports, with numerous teams participating in regular fixtures.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s philosophy, with a focus on kindness, tolerance, and personal development. The school counsellor is highly praised, and the disciplinary approach is centred on education and learning from mistakes. Pupils are well-informed about issues like bullying and feel confident in the support provided by their teachers. The school council is taken seriously, with pupils actively contributing to school life through initiatives like a buddy system and improved communication about lunch menus.
Communication with parents is strong, with regular tea parties and curricular talks keeping them informed. While direct contact with teachers is managed carefully, the school ensures that parents are involved and consulted about new developments. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in the school community, raising significant funds for charity and fostering a tight-knit, village-like atmosphere.
The school’s values of honesty, respect, responsibility, equality, kindness, achievement, self-belief, and collaboration are woven into every aspect of school life. The headteacher’s emphasis on kindness and tolerance encourages pupils to find their passion and develop into confident, articulate, and thoughtful individuals. The introduction of a Duke of Edinburgh-like scheme further supports this aim, promoting community involvement, health and fitness, and practical skills.
In summary, Orchard House School offers a warm and friendly environment with strong academic foundations and excellent support for all pupils. The school’s commitment to nurturing each child’s unique strengths and interests ensures that they leave as well-rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their education. 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.
Orchard House School, located in Chiswick, London, is a preparatory day school that has been operational since 1993. In February 2020, it became part of Dukes Education, which oversees its governance. The school caters to children aged 3 to 11 years and operates across two sites within walking distance of each other. The school aims to provide a dynamic, child-centered education in a friendly environment that promotes values such as courtesy, kindness, respect, and teamwork. It emphasizes resilience and perseverance while nurturing each child's individuality.
The student body primarily consists of local pupils, with assessment data indicating that their abilities are above average compared to national standards. The school supports 30 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, primarily for dyslexia, and 42 pupils who speak English as an additional language, with two requiring extra support. The school meets the needs of its most able pupils through extension activities integrated into lessons.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance and educational quality inspection in November 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and evaluate the quality of education provided. The findings indicated that the school meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required. The quality of education is characterized by effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress, supported by a well-documented curriculum and appropriate resources. The school also provides relationships education, having consulted parents and published a policy in line with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate attendance records, with a strategic approach to risk assessment in place.
The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and ensuring adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions, behavior, and health and safety.
Parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, with clear time scales and records kept of actions taken. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent quality of pupils' academic and personal achievements. Pupils of all abilities are motivated learners who achieve high standards across the curriculum. They exhibit outstanding attitudes towards learning, with excellent communication skills and confidence in expressing their ideas. The school provides a varied program of extracurricular activities, enhancing pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world.
Pupils develop strong study skills and are encouraged to express their opinions and engage in debates. The school’s assessment data shows that pupils of all ages and abilities, including those with special educational needs and those who are more able, achieve excellent results. The school prepares pupils well for competitive entry examinations to local independent and grammar schools, with many gaining places at their school of choice.
The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They demonstrate high levels of self-awareness, self-discipline, and resilience, with supportive staff fostering a culture of confidence and risk-taking. Pupils engage in reflective practices, understanding the impact of their decisions on their success and well-being. The school’s values and commitment to mindfulness contribute to pupils' spiritual understanding and appreciation of non-material aspects of life.
Pupils are polite, respectful, and courteous, reflecting the school’s supportive approach to behavior. They develop strong social awareness and teamwork skills, participating in various activities that promote collaboration across different age groups. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to the school community, with many engaging in fundraising activities for charitable causes.
Pupils show respect for diversity and are eager to learn about different beliefs and traditions. They participate in events that celebrate cultural differences, fostering an inclusive environment. The school emphasizes the importance of staying safe and healthy, with pupils demonstrating awareness of potential hazards and the significance of a balanced lifestyle.
Overall, Orchard House School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to high standards of education, personal development, and community involvement ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive relationships between staff and pupils, along with the school’s values, create a strong sense of belonging and support for all members of the school community.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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