Westbury House School

Westbury House School is an independent day school located in New Malden, Surrey, catering for both male and female pupils aged 2 to 11. Founded in 1966, the school has transitioned ownership to the Inspired Learning Group, which oversees its management. The school operates one class per year group from Nursery to Year 6, with a current enrollment of 100 pupils. The headmistress, Miss Clare King, has been in her position since 2019. The school aims to foster a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing environment, encouraging resilience, effort, and the development of each child's talents.

The pupil demographic is diverse, with families primarily from local professional backgrounds. Standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are above average compared to national benchmarks. The school supports 18 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD, and provides additional support for 20 pupils who speak English as an additional language. The curriculum is tailored to challenge 23 identified more able pupils.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection in October 2022, assessing the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection concluded that the school meets all relevant standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is characterized by effective teaching that enables good pupil progress, supported by a well-documented curriculum and appropriate resources. The school promotes good behavior and has measures in place to prevent bullying, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all pupils.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school emphasizes the importance of personal development, with pupils demonstrating respect for diversity and a strong sense of community. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective safeguarding measures in place, including first aid provisions and proper supervision.

The school ensures the suitability of staff through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. Facilities are well-maintained, providing suitable accommodation for pupils' medical needs and outdoor spaces for physical education. A range of information is made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies on behavior and complaints. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Leadership and management at Westbury House School are effective, with the proprietor ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting pupil well-being. The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, noting their strong communication skills and high levels of attainment in literacy and numeracy. Pupils are enthusiastic learners, demonstrating positive attitudes and a supportive environment that encourages collaboration.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent, with a strong understanding of spirituality and a commitment to helping others. The school fosters a culture of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and promoting values of respect and tolerance. Pupils engage in various community service activities, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact.

The inspection evidence included observations of lessons, discussions with pupils and staff, and examination of pupils' work. Inspectors noted that pupils of all abilities achieve high academic standards, with rapid progress from their individual starting points. The school effectively identifies strengths and weaknesses in pupils' learning, providing tailored support to those facing challenges while also challenging more able pupils.

Pupils exhibit excellent communication skills across the curriculum, with younger pupils quickly learning phonics and developing writing skills through engaging activities. Older pupils demonstrate advanced editing skills and creativity in their writing. In mathematics, pupils show a strong grasp of concepts and apply their skills confidently in various contexts. The use of information and communication technology is integrated into learning, enhancing pupils' educational experiences.

Pupils' attitudes towards learning are remarkably positive, with a strong desire to improve and a willingness to engage in both independent and collaborative work. The nurturing environment of the school fosters self-confidence and resilience, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. The school promotes a healthy lifestyle, with pupils understanding the importance of nutrition and exercise.

Overall, Westbury House School provides a high-quality education that meets the needs of its pupils, fostering academic excellence and personal development in a supportive and inclusive environment. The school’s commitment to nurturing each child's potential is evident in its practices and the positive outcomes for its pupils. The inspection findings affirm the school's effectiveness in delivering a well-rounded education that prepares pupils for future success.