Brabyns Preparatory School

Brabyns Preparatory School is an independent day school located in Marple, Cheshire, catering for boys and girls aged between 2 and 11 years. Established in 1899, the school is part of the Bellevue Education Group and is overseen by an education committee of directors. The school is situated on a one-acre site and comprises two buildings in a suburban environment, offering both Nursery and Primary education. Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements, including the installation of a new computer suite and the introduction of laptops and tablets to enhance the learning experience.

The school aims to nurture, engage, and enable every pupil to achieve their best while fostering excellent citizenship and a clear understanding of right and wrong. It strives to create a warm, safe, and family-like atmosphere with small class sizes, ensuring that every learning opportunity is utilized to help pupils develop their individual talents. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional and business family backgrounds, predominantly from White British families in the local area. The school’s assessment indicates that the pupils' abilities are above average, with a notable number of students identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school provides additional support for these pupils, ensuring that their educational needs are met effectively.

The inspection findings reveal that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. All groups of pupils make rapid progress and achieve academic excellence, aligning with the school’s aims. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, enthusiastically engaging with the numerous opportunities provided by the school. Their communication skills are particularly well-developed, enabling them to participate confidently in all aspects of school life. Extra-curricular achievements are outstanding, with pupils excelling in a wide range of activities.

The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent. They demonstrate self-discipline and resilience, coupled with a strong desire to improve their learning. The school fosters a high degree of kindness among pupils, who exhibit a clear sense of right and wrong and show consideration and respect for others. The supportive environment encourages pupils to work effectively with one another, contributing to a strong sense of community within the school. The trust and security that permeate the school environment allow pupils to feel safe while gaining the knowledge necessary to navigate the wider world.

In terms of recommendations for further development, the school has been encouraged to embed opportunities for pupils to use information communication technology (ICT) more consistently across all subjects. While the school has made strides in integrating ICT into the curriculum, there is still room for improvement in ensuring that it is fully embedded in daily practice.

The quality of pupils' academic achievements is underscored by their excellent progress, including those who are more able and those with SEND or English as an additional language (EAL). The younger children in the Nursery and Reception classes consistently achieve well above age-related expectations, supported by staff who effectively utilize progress data to tailor their teaching. Most pupils in the Primary department have exceeded national averages in recent assessments, and all Year 6 pupils successfully gained admission to their chosen senior schools, many of which have challenging entry requirements.

Pupils apply their learning to new situations with confidence, drawing on a variety of resources and learning styles to enhance their knowledge and skills. The small class sizes and tailored support from staff, who exhibit excellent subject knowledge, enable pupils to develop independence and resourcefulness. They are encouraged to collaborate and engage in problem-solving, fostering a shared adventure in learning. This collaborative approach is evident in various classroom activities, where pupils demonstrate creativity and critical thinking.

Pupils' attitudes towards learning are notably positive, responding enthusiastically to the school’s rich curricular and extra-curricular offerings. They actively seek out new interests and challenges, displaying a readiness to tackle problem-solving tasks both individually and collaboratively. The lively ethos of the school, set by senior leadership and staff, promotes the development of leadership skills among pupils, who take pride in their contributions to the school community.

The school successfully promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, with pupils demonstrating a strong understanding of British values. They engage in a stimulating personal and social education program that deepens their understanding of living in a diverse society. Participation in the school council allows pupils to experience democracy in action, influencing school policies and practices.

Spiritual understanding among pupils is also strong, as they engage in reflective practices during assemblies and express a sense of wonder about the world around them. The social development of pupils is outstanding, with children in the Early Years Foundation Stage responding well to guidance on collaboration and teamwork. As they progress through the school, they take on responsibilities within the school community, participating in charity fundraising and community service activities.

Pupils feel safe and secure in the school environment, benefiting from the high level of care provided by staff. They receive guidance on healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, participating in various wellness initiatives. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and pupils regarding the school’s effectiveness in ensuring safety and promoting personal development reflects the commitment of the school’s leadership and staff.

In summary, Brabyns Preparatory School excels in providing a nurturing and engaging educational environment that fosters academic excellence and personal development. The school’s commitment to high standards, combined with its supportive community, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The positive attitudes displayed by pupils, their strong communication skills, and their ability to work collaboratively contribute to a vibrant school culture that values kindness, respect, and a love of learning. The school’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum and enhance the learning experience further demonstrate its dedication to continuous improvement and the holistic development of its pupils.