Whitehall School
117 High Street, Somersham, Huntingdon, PE28 3EH
Pupils
111
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Christopher Holmes
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,452 to £3,130
ISC Associations
ISA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Whitehall School
Located in the charming town of Huntingdon, Whitehall School offers a nurturing environment for children aged three to eleven. As a co-educational day school, it provides a balanced and inclusive atmosphere where both boys and girls can thrive academically and socially. The school is non-denominational, welcoming pupils from all faiths and backgrounds, which fosters a diverse and harmonious community.
The curriculum at Whitehall School is designed to cater to the varied interests and abilities of its pupils. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science are taught with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school also places a strong emphasis on the arts, with Music, Drama, and Art being integral parts of the educational experience. This holistic approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for the challenges of secondary school and beyond.
One of the standout features of Whitehall School is its commitment to small class sizes. This allows for personalised attention and tailored instruction, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met. Teachers are able to provide first-hand support and guidance, helping pupils to build confidence and achieve their full potential. The school’s dedicated Head of Learning Support works closely with staff and parents to ensure that any additional needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
The school’s extra-curricular programme is both diverse and engaging, offering a wide range of activities that cater to different interests. From sports clubs to creative arts workshops, pupils have ample opportunities to explore new hobbies and develop new skills. Participation in these activities not only enhances the educational experience but also promotes teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
Whitehall School’s facilities are well-maintained and provide a safe and stimulating environment for learning. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology to support interactive and dynamic teaching methods. Outdoor spaces are utilised for both play and learning, encouraging children to engage with the natural world and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.
The school’s ethos is centred around the wellbeing of its pupils. A strong pastoral care system ensures that children feel supported and valued throughout their time at the school. Staff are trained to recognise and address any issues that may arise, fostering a culture of openness and trust. This focus on wellbeing is reflected in the positive relationships between pupils and staff, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Parental involvement is actively encouraged at Whitehall School, with regular communication between home and school. Parents are invited to participate in school events and activities, strengthening the sense of community and collaboration. This partnership between parents and educators is key to the school’s success, ensuring that children receive consistent support both at home and in the classroom.
In summary, Whitehall School in Huntingdon offers a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for children aged three to eleven. Its commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and community spirit makes it a highly regarded choice for families in the area. The school’s focus on small class sizes, diverse curriculum, and strong pastoral care ensures that each child is given the opportunity to flourish in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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ISI Review
Whitehall School, a co-educational day school located near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has been operational since 1983 and is owned by a family who are the directors of the institution. The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection, including the appointment of a new Head Teacher in 2019. The school aims to create a thriving environment where children can flourish academically, personally, and socially, equipping them with strong academic skills and building their self-esteem and confidence in preparation for secondary education and life beyond.
The student body at Whitehall School is diverse, with pupils coming from various backgrounds, primarily residing within a 15-mile radius of the school. The school has identified seven pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, who receive support from the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and their class teachers. Notably, there are no pupils with education, health, and care plans, nor are there any students who speak English as an additional language. The school has also identified six pupils as the most able, and the curriculum is tailored to meet their needs.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a focused compliance inspection, which was combined with an educational quality inspection. The ISI is authorized to inspect schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council and report on their compliance with the Independent School Standards. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The key findings indicated that the school meets all the standards set forth in the regulations, with no further action required.
In terms of educational quality, the school provides a curriculum that is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. Teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress, and effective behavior management is in place. The school also offers relationships education, having consulted parents and published a policy in line with statutory guidance. The quality of education is deemed good, with national curriculum tests from 2018, 2019, and 2022 confirming that pupils make good progress.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment. The school maintains appropriate records and has a disability access plan in place.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior, and health and safety policies. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, and records are kept appropriately.
Leadership and management at Whitehall School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively and promoting pupil well-being. The leadership team has a clear vision for the ongoing development of the school, ensuring that all standards are consistently met. The school has established strong links with parents, who express high levels of satisfaction with the care and education their children receive.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision is rated as good, with leaders demonstrating a solid understanding of the EYFS framework. The curriculum supports children's development in key areas, and all children make good progress from their starting points. The environment is nurturing, and staff form warm relationships with children, ensuring high levels of care and support. The school has implemented structured programs for monitoring teaching and learning, contributing to continuous improvement.
The quality of education in the EYFS is also good, with regular reviews ensuring that learning programs meet statutory requirements. Staff effectively support children's engagement in well-planned activities, promoting language and social skills. However, there is room for improvement in tailoring learning intentions to individual children's interests and developmental needs.
Pupils exhibit outstanding behavior and attitudes, demonstrating confidence and enjoyment in their learning. They engage positively with their environment and show high levels of concentration during activities. The school promotes kindness and consideration among pupils, fostering a supportive community. Personal development is outstanding, with effective care practices ensuring emotional security and character development.
Leadership and management in the EYFS are good, with a clear vision for development and effective systems for staff professional development. The setting has strong links with parents, who appreciate the care and support their children receive. The school meets the requirements of the Childcare Act, and no action is required for compliance.
In terms of academic achievements, pupils demonstrate good progress across the curriculum. They develop strong literacy skills, with excellent writing and listening abilities. While pupils are competent in using technology, their application of these skills across the wider curriculum is limited. The school successfully prepares pupils for future educational stages, with a high percentage gaining entrance to their first-choice senior schools.
Pupils' personal development is further enhanced through participation in community events and a strong understanding of safety and health. The school encourages pupils to take leadership roles in their learning and fosters a culture of respect and acceptance. Overall, Whitehall School provides a supportive and enriching environment that promotes academic success and personal growth for all its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024