Tower College

Tower College, a co-educational day school located in Rainhill, Merseyside, caters to pupils aged 0 to 16 years. Established in 1948, the school operates as a charitable trust and limited company, overseen by a board of governors. The institution comprises various educational stages, including a pre-preparatory department for children aged 3 to 5, a lower school for ages 5 to 9, a middle school for ages 9 to 13, and an upper school for ages 13 to 16. Additionally, Tower Tots, a separate setting within the school grounds, provides year-round daycare for children aged 0 to 5. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher has been appointed, enhancing the leadership structure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school adapted to remote learning, providing materials for all pupils while remaining open only for children of key workers. The inspection process was modified to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to ensure safety. The report notes that no evaluations were made regarding the effectiveness of provisions during the pandemic, as per the Department for Education's guidelines.

The school aims to deliver a well-rounded education, focusing on academic excellence and essential life skills. It seeks to empower pupils to develop confidence, kindness, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them to be responsible citizens. The student body primarily consists of children from professional families across a broad catchment area, with the overall ability level being broadly average. The school has identified 41 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, all of whom receive additional support.

The regulatory compliance inspection revealed that Tower College meets the standards set by the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection confirmed that the school provides a quality education, promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, and ensures their welfare, health, and safety. The school has appropriate measures in place for safeguarding, behavior management, and health and safety, including first aid provisions and risk assessments.

The quality of education provided is deemed good, with effective teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, with suitable resources supporting effective behavior management. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents regarding its policies. The standards related to the quality of education are met, and the school has implemented a suitable framework for assessing pupils' performance.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school maintains appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and has suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, and adequate outdoor space is provided for physical education and play.

The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission and behavior. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, and the leadership demonstrates good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provision is rated outstanding, with a well-structured curriculum that meets statutory requirements and supports children's development in prime areas of learning. Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of how young children learn, providing high-quality care and support. Children make good progress, are well-prepared for the next stage of their education, and feel safe and secure in the setting.

The educational quality inspection highlights that pupils achieve good academic results, with examination performance above the national average for maintained schools. Pupils have continued to make good progress during the pandemic, adapting well to remote learning. However, there are concerns regarding the lack of creativity in teaching methods, particularly in the upper school, where pupils show less enthusiasm for their lessons. The school is encouraged to adopt a more creative approach to the curriculum and provide more challenging tasks to foster independence and initiative.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as good, with strong respect and tolerance for others evident throughout the school. The comprehensive PSHE program contributes positively to their moral, social, and cultural development. However, the school is advised to enhance extra-curricular activities to further support pupils' personal growth and engagement.

Overall, Tower College demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering the personal development of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its efforts in enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring a supportive learning environment for all students.