Dame Allan's Junior School

Dame Allan’s Junior School is an independent co-educational day school located in Newcastle upon Tyne, catering for pupils aged between three and eleven years. Established in 1705, the school is part of the Dame Allan’s Schools Anglican Foundation, which operates as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. The school aims to provide a supportive educational environment for pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering high moral standards and opportunities for academic, sporting, and artistic development. The school community is characterized by a familial atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to care for one another.

The school has a total enrollment of 302 pupils, with 55 in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and 247 in the junior section. The school’s assessment indicates that the pupils’ abilities are above average, with a small number identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school provides additional support for these pupils, ensuring that all students, including those with English as an additional language (EAL), receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Dame Allan’s Junior School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection focused on various aspects, including safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the provision of information to parents. The school was found to have effective measures in place to promote the welfare of pupils, prevent bullying, and ensure a safe learning environment. The leadership and management of the school were also noted to be effective, with a clear commitment to maintaining high standards.

In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, which is documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, enabling pupils to make good progress across various subjects. The teaching staff demonstrate effective behavior management and utilize suitable resources to enhance learning. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education is evident in the positive feedback from parents and pupils regarding the teaching and learning environment.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted within the school. Pupils are encouraged to become responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens, with principles and values integrated into the curriculum. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils engage in various activities that promote social responsibility and awareness of different cultures. The school’s ethos supports the development of pupils’ moral understanding, and their behavior is consistently excellent.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, conducts regular risk assessments, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. The provision of first aid and the maintenance of admission and attendance registers further contribute to a safe learning environment. The school also has a disability access plan in place, ensuring that all pupils have equal access to facilities and resources.

The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, with appropriate measures taken to ensure that all individuals working with pupils are fit for their roles. The school maintains a register of staff suitability, complying with the necessary regulations. The premises and accommodation provided for pupils are well-maintained, with suitable facilities for personal care and medical needs. The school environment is conducive to learning, with adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.

The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. This includes details on admissions, behavior, exclusions, and the handling of complaints. The school has a clear complaints procedure in place, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. The leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure that the school meets the required standards consistently.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, noting that their progress is rapid and their skills, knowledge, and understanding are well-developed. Pupils exhibit strong communication skills, demonstrating confidence and articulateness in their interactions. They are hardworking and resilient, displaying positive attitudes towards learning and the ability to work collaboratively and independently. However, the inspection noted that there is room for improvement in developing higher-order thinking skills across all year groups.

Pupils’ personal development is also rated as excellent, with strong contributions to the school and wider community. Their social development is fostered through positive relationships with peers, and they demonstrate a high level of moral understanding. The school encourages pupils to engage in various extracurricular activities, promoting their overall development and well-being. While pupils show strong social skills, their spiritual understanding is identified as an area for further development, with recommendations for enhancing opportunities for reflection and appreciation of the arts.

Overall, Dame Allan’s Junior School provides a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to high standards of education, combined with effective leadership and management, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school’s success in achieving its aims and fostering a strong sense of belonging among its pupils.