Stowe School

Stowe School is an independent day and boarding school located in rural Buckinghamshire, England. Established in 1923, it operates as a charitable trust overseen by a governing body. The school accommodates both male and female pupils, with a significant majority being boarders housed in 13 boarding houses, alongside two additional houses for day pupils that opened in 2019. Since January 2020, Stowe School has been part of The Stowe Group, which includes Winchester House and Swanbourne House Preparatory Schools.

The school's mission is to cultivate pupils who are change-makers, equipped to make a positive and lasting impact on their school and society. Stowe School emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, aiming for all pupils to excel academically and personally. The school encourages teamwork and participation in a wide range of co-curricular activities, fostering a caring pastoral environment through its house system. This approach supports pupils in developing a strong sense of moral, social, and spiritual responsibility.

The student body at Stowe School is diverse, comprising pupils from various backgrounds and nationalities. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the academic ability of pupils at Stowe is above the national average. The school has identified 261 pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Of these, 66 pupils receive additional support, while 42 pupils are supported for English as an additional language. The school also provides opportunities for more able pupils to engage in academic, creative, and sporting challenges.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in February 2023, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection concluded that Stowe School meets all applicable standards, with no further action required. The school's GCSE and A-level results from 2020 to 2022 demonstrate that teaching effectively enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a broad educational experience.

Stowe School provides relationships and sex education in accordance with statutory guidance, and the standards related to the quality of education are met. The school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible citizens. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are considered by staff, fostering a supportive community where good relationships are built on mutual trust and respect.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils. These include promoting good behavior, preventing bullying, and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring that the needs of all pupils are met.

Stowe School implements an appropriate induction process for new boarders and provides suitable medical and health care, as well as provisions for food, drink, and laundry. Boarding staff are well-trained and effectively deployed to support the needs of the pupils. The premises are maintained to a high standard, with adequate facilities for personal hygiene and medical needs, as well as suitable outdoor spaces for physical activities.

The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised, and the school's guardianship arrangements are effectively managed. The standards related to the suitability of those in contact with pupils are met.

Stowe School publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and health and safety procedures. The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that each stage has clear timelines and that records are kept appropriately. The school demonstrates effective leadership and management, with the proprietor ensuring that responsibilities are fulfilled and that the well-being of pupils is actively promoted. The leadership of boarding is also effective, with required policies and records maintained and monitored.

Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Stowe School is successfully meeting the required standards across various aspects of its operation, including the quality of education, the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, and the welfare, health, and safety of pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils is evident in its practices and policies, ensuring that all students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.