The King's School In Macclesfield

The King's School in Macclesfield is a co-educational day school that caters to students aged between three and eighteen years. Established in 1502, it holds the distinction of being the oldest school in the country with ties to the Merchant Taylors' Company. The school operates from two main sites near the center of Macclesfield, with an additional site for sporting activities located on the outskirts of the town. The educational structure allows boys and girls aged three to eleven to learn together in the infant and junior divisions at the Fence Avenue site, while the sixth form students are educated together at the Cumberland Street site. In the senior division, girls aged eleven to sixteen are taught at one site, and boys at another, with both genders participating in various curricular and extracurricular activities together.

The primary aim of The King's School is to equip young people with the character and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of a constantly changing world. The school encourages its pupils to aspire, work hard, and achieve, fostering lively and inquisitive minds. It emphasizes the importance of creating a friendly, polite, and caring community, aiming to develop responsible citizens who contribute to society through leadership and service.

The student body is diverse, comprising pupils from various professional and business backgrounds, residing within a twenty-mile radius of the school. The school's population reflects the ethnic diversity of the area. According to national standardized test data, the ability levels of pupils are above average in the junior and senior divisions, while the sixth form's ability is broadly average. The school has identified 136 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia, all of whom receive additional support. Additionally, 40 pupils speak English as an additional language, with their needs being addressed by classroom teachers. The curriculum is tailored for 196 pupils identified as the most able within the school.

The King's School is subject to inspections by the Department for Education, which oversees independent schools. The Independent Schools Inspectorate is responsible for conducting these inspections, assessing compliance with the Independent School Standards. The most recent inspection, conducted in November 2018, was a compliance-only inspection, focusing on whether the school met the required standards. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all the standards outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.

The inspection findings highlighted the quality of education provided at the school. In the junior school, the school utilizes its own framework to assess attainment, rather than relying on the national framework. Performance at GCSE from 2015 to 2017 was above the national average for maintained schools, and A-level results during the same period were also above the national average for sixth formers in maintained schools. The curriculum is well-documented, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, and enables pupils to make good progress. Effective behavior management and suitable resources support the teaching process, and a framework for assessing pupil performance is in place.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and law-abiding citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety, and provisions for first aid are established. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps admission and attendance registers as required, and employs a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place.

The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. The premises provide suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for medical and therapy needs. The facilities are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements, with appropriate acoustics and lighting. Adequate water provision and suitable outdoor space for physical education and outdoor play are also provided.

A range of information is published and made available to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the proprietor, the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, first aid provisions, and the complaints procedure. The school also reports on its academic performance and provides parents with annual reports on their child's progress. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school's website.

Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.

The leadership and management of The King's School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that the standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive educational environment.

In summary, The King's School in Macclesfield is a well-established institution that provides a high-quality education while promoting the personal development of its pupils. The school meets all regulatory standards and is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its diverse student body. Through its comprehensive curriculum and strong emphasis on character development, the school prepares its pupils to become responsible and engaged members of society.