Beachborough School
Westbury, Brackley, NN13 5LB
Pupils
379
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Simone Mitchell
Boarding / Day
Day and Weekly/Flexible Boarding
Fees
£334 to £6,527
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About Beachborough School
Beachborough School, located in Brackley, offers a unique and enriching educational experience for children aged two to 13. Entry is typically at nursery or reception, with additional entry points in years 3 and 5, subject to availability. Prospective students are invited for a taster day, and those with learning support needs are assessed to ensure the school can meet their requirements.
The school describes itself as broadly non-selective, conducting light-touch assessments, including written evaluations for children joining reception or higher. This approach ensures a balanced intake while maintaining academic standards.
A significant number of students transition to prestigious secondary schools such as Stowe and Bloxham, with others moving on to Rugby, Uppingham, and Millfield. The school has a strong track record of securing scholarships and awards, with 22 achieved in 2023 alone.
One of the standout features of Beachborough is its distinctive uniform. Instead of traditional blazers, students don blue boiler suits and wellies, allowing them to enjoy the extensive 35-acre grounds in all weather conditions. This practical approach is highly appreciated by parents, who often express a strong sense of community and loyalty to the school.
The school’s marketing is polished, with a prospectus filled with engaging graphics and a welcoming atmosphere created by personalised posters for visitors. Originally founded in Surrey in 1910, the school has moved through Kent and Hampshire before settling in its current Northamptonshire location.
The school’s focus on science and technology is impressive. The TED centre, opened in 2017, is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printers, and other advanced tools. The centre supports a range of clubs and projects, including the Goblin Car Club, where students design, build, and race electric cars. Future plans include joining the F1 in Schools programme, further enhancing the school’s tech credentials.
The journey through the school begins in the Boardman building, which houses the nursery and pre-prep. Classrooms are designed with different zones for reading, creativity, and wellbeing, supporting the ACE (active, creative, and exploratory) learning approach. This method encourages first-hand experiences, resulting in engaged and happy children.
From year 3, students start using the TED centre, and by year 5, they move to the manor house for their lessons. The school employs a house system, referred to as clubs, fostering a sense of competition and camaraderie. Each child from year 5 has a tutor, separate from their form teacher, to provide additional support and build strong pupil-teacher relationships.
The school day extends until 5.05 pm for older students, with after-school care available until 6.45 pm. This includes a mix of self-directed time, clubs, homework, and one-to-one assistance if needed. Learning support is robust, with several full-time and part-time assistants offering small-group sessions or individual support. Standardised testing from year 1 helps identify any issues early, and wellbeing is a priority, with a counsellor visiting twice a week.
Despite not being an academic hot-house, the school excels in teaching, learning, and pupil welfare, as cited by the ISI inspection in 2018. Effort is highly valued, with effort grades awarded each lesson, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.
Class sizes range from 16 to 18, with two or three classes per year group. A scholarship set from year 7 highlights the school’s academic achievements. Enrichment weeks, held at least once a year, offer themed studies and activities, taking students out of their comfort zones and providing memorable learning experiences.
The school theatre provides performance opportunities for all students, with year 7s performing Shakespeare, year 6s staging a musical, and year 8s presenting a leavers’ showcase. Music is integral, with all year 1s and 2s studying an instrument and high participation in choirs and ensembles.
Sport is also a key focus, with rugby and hockey being particularly popular. Partnerships with local clubs, such as the Northampton Saints rugby club, enhance the sports programme. The school hosts various contests, including equestrian events and triathlons, and offers a range of facilities, including a large AstroTurf and an indoor sports hall.
Boarding is available from Monday to Thursday, with up to 45 children staying each night. The boarding house, Kites, is located on the top floor of the manor house and offers a homely environment with beautifully decorated dorms.
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ISI Review
Beachborough School is an independent day and boarding institution located in Northamptonshire, catering for boys and girls aged from two and a half to thirteen years. Established in 1910, the school has a rich history and moved to its current site in 1943. It operates as a charitable trust overseen by a governing body. The school is divided into two main sections: Pre-Prep and Juniors for younger pupils, and Prep for older students. It offers a single boarding house for pupils from Year 3 onwards.
The school aims to foster an environment where pupils can thrive intellectually, physically, culturally, and emotionally, preparing them for their transition to senior school. It emphasizes a respectful and caring culture, creating a family-like atmosphere. The demographic of the student body is predominantly white British, with most pupils coming from professional backgrounds. The school’s assessment indicates that the pupils’ abilities are above average, with a small number receiving support for special educational needs and disabilities.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Beachborough School meets the standards set forth in the Education Independent School Standards Regulations and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection covered various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
The quality of education provided at Beachborough School is commendable. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. The teaching methods employed are effective, and the school has a suitable framework for assessing pupils’ performance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, indicating a strong educational foundation.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that encourage pupils to become responsible and tolerant citizens. The views of boarders are valued, and their opinions are taken into account by the staff. The school’s prefect system is managed effectively, contributing to a positive school culture.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school adheres to statutory guidance, promotes good behavior, and has measures to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate first aid provisions are available. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, ensuring that all individuals in contact with pupils are appropriate. The school maintains a register as required, and visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised. The premises and accommodation provided are adequate, with suitable facilities for medical needs and outdoor play. The school ensures that the environment is conducive to learning and well-maintained.
Information provision to parents and stakeholders is comprehensive, covering various aspects of the school’s operations, including ethos, curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and complaints procedures. The school effectively handles parental complaints through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Leadership and management at Beachborough School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils and ensures that the standards are consistently met. The management of boarding is also effective, with policies and records maintained appropriately.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent achievements of pupils in both academic and personal development. Pupils demonstrate outstanding communication skills, articulate their thoughts confidently, and engage collaboratively in their learning. The school’s emphasis on ICT knowledge and skills is evident, with pupils using technology effectively in various subjects.
Pupils’ personal development is equally impressive, with strong self-understanding and awareness. They exhibit excellent decision-making skills, particularly in the boarding environment, and contribute positively to the school community through charitable work and other initiatives. The school fosters a culture of reflection and self-improvement, encouraging pupils to set targets for their future work.
The school’s commitment to promoting diversity and cultural understanding is evident, with pupils displaying tolerance and acceptance towards others. They engage in discussions about moral and ethical issues, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and understanding of the impact of their actions on others.
Overall, Beachborough School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils can excel academically and develop personally. The school’s commitment to high standards in education, welfare, and personal development is reflected in the positive outcomes for its pupils. The supportive community, combined with effective leadership and management, ensures that Beachborough School remains a place where children can thrive and prepare for their future endeavors.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024