Swanbourne House School
Swanbourne, Milton Keynes, MK17 0HZ
Swanbourne, Milton Keynes, MK17 0HZ
Pupils
272
Ages
3 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Nick Holloway
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£3,950 to £6,750
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA, HMC
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
Swanbourne House School, located in the picturesque area of Milton Keynes, offers a nurturing environment for children aged three to 13. With a Church of England affiliation, the school provides a balanced education that respects all faiths, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among its pupils. The school is co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls, and offers a variety of boarding options, including day, weekly/flexible, and full boarding, catering for the diverse needs of families.
The school prides itself on its commitment to academic excellence, offering a broad curriculum that includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside a rich array of creative and performing arts. The emphasis on a well-rounded education is evident in the school’s dedication to providing opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents through a wide range of extra-curricular activities. These activities not only enhance the educational experience but also contribute to the development of essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
The pastoral care at Swanbourne House School is a standout feature, with a strong focus on the wellbeing of each pupil. The school recognises the importance of supporting the emotional and social development of children, ensuring they feel valued and understood. This supportive environment is complemented by a dedicated Head of Learning Support, who works closely with teachers and parents to address any individual learning needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The school’s facilities are designed to enhance the learning experience, with well-equipped classrooms, modern science laboratories, and extensive sports facilities. The outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for physical activity and exploration, encouraging pupils to engage with the natural environment. This connection with nature is further supported by the school’s commitment to environmental education, teaching pupils the importance of sustainability and conservation.
Swanbourne House School also places a strong emphasis on developing global citizens, encouraging pupils to think critically about the world around them and their place within it. This is achieved through a curriculum that incorporates global perspectives and encourages cultural awareness and understanding. The school’s commitment to fostering a sense of social responsibility is evident in its community outreach programmes, which provide pupils with opportunities to engage with and contribute to the wider community.
The teaching staff at Swanbourne House School are highly qualified and passionate about their subjects, creating a stimulating and engaging learning environment. Their dedication to professional development ensures that they remain at the forefront of educational best practices, continually enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the school’s strong academic performance, with pupils consistently achieving high standards in their studies.
In summary, Swanbourne House School offers a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, combining academic rigour with a strong focus on personal development and wellbeing. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, alongside its dedication to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, makes it an excellent choice for families seeking a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for their children.
To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
Swanbourne House School, located in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, is a co-educational day and boarding institution catering for children aged 3 to 13. The school operates under the auspices of the Stowe Group and has undergone significant changes since its previous inspection in December 2018, including a merger with the Stowe Group of schools and the appointment of a new headteacher. The school is committed to nurturing the individual talents and confidence of each child, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future educational journeys and adult lives in a rapidly changing world.
The recent inspection, conducted from November 21 to 23, 2023, by a team of four inspectors, evaluated the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection involved a comprehensive review of various aspects of school life, including lesson observations, discussions with governors, staff, and pupils, and scrutiny of policies and documentation. The findings indicate that the school meets all relevant standards across various domains, including leadership and management, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding.
Leadership and governance at Swanbourne House School are characterized by knowledgeable and effective oversight. The governing body has successfully managed the transition following the merger, demonstrating a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They engage actively in the school’s development, conducting regular evaluations and maintaining open lines of communication with staff. The school’s self-evaluation process is thorough, leading to a detailed development plan that addresses the needs of pupils while considering potential risks and unintended consequences of changes.
The curriculum at Swanbourne House is broad and well-implemented, providing pupils with a solid foundation for their future education. The school emphasizes core skills such as collaboration and independence, which are integrated into the learning process. Pupils engage positively in their lessons, benefiting from effective teaching and constructive feedback in most subjects. However, there are areas where feedback could be clearer, which would further enhance pupil progress. The school has introduced new assessment procedures to monitor pupil achievement, although their consistent application across all subjects and year groups is still developing.
In the early years, children make good progress due to well-planned activities that cater to their individual needs and interests. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive. Additionally, pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL) are well-supported, enabling them to make significant progress in their language skills.
Swanbourne House School places a strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of its pupils. The school implements a comprehensive personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE) program that helps pupils understand the importance of maintaining good health. Staff members, many of whom have received mental health first aid training, provide valuable support to pupils, fostering an environment where they feel safe to express their concerns. The school also promotes healthy relationships and addresses issues such as bullying through various initiatives, ensuring that pupils are aware of how to report incidents and receive appropriate support.
The school’s commitment to social and economic education is evident in its curriculum, which prepares pupils for life in a democratic society. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as positions on the school council, which helps build their self-esteem and confidence. The school fosters a sense of social responsibility, engaging pupils in charitable activities and community service, thereby instilling a strong awareness of their role in society.
Swanbourne House School also prioritizes safeguarding, with effective procedures in place to promote the welfare of all pupils. The designated safeguarding lead and team are well-trained and knowledgeable, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. The school maintains a robust system for safer recruitment, ensuring that all staff and volunteers are thoroughly vetted. Regular training updates for staff ensure that safeguarding practices remain current and effective.
The boarding provision at Swanbourne House is well-managed, providing a safe and nurturing environment for pupils. Boarders are accommodated in a dedicated house with separate facilities for boys and girls, and they benefit from a range of extracurricular activities that enhance their overall experience. The school ensures that boarders receive balanced and nutritious meals, and staff are always available to supervise and support them.
Overall, Swanbourne House School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of its pupils. The school’s leadership and governance are effective, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met. The curriculum is broad and engaging, promoting both academic and personal development. Pupils are well-supported in their learning, and their physical and mental well-being is prioritized. The school fosters a sense of community and social responsibility, preparing pupils for their future roles in society. With effective safeguarding measures in place, parents can be confident that their children are safe and well-cared for in this nurturing environment. The school’s ethos celebrates diversity and encourages respect for all, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for learning.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
The Great British Schools Guide (published by Great British Schools Guide Limited) is currently in launch mode.
We would be grateful if you could email data@greatbritishschoolsguide.com if you find any inaccuracies or would like to update your listing. Thank you.
Comparing, saving and returning to your favourite schools is just a click away