Windlesham School Trust Limited

Windlesham School and Nursery, an independent co-educational day school established in 1948, operates under a charitable trust and is located on the outskirts of Brighton, East Sussex. The school serves children aged 2 to 11, organized into a nursery for younger pupils, a lower school for Reception to Year 2, and an upper school for Years 3 to 6. The school has a Christian ethos but welcomes pupils from various faith backgrounds. Recent developments include an extension to the main building, which has added classrooms, a large hall, a medical room, and a new kitchen.

The school aims to foster a sense of belonging, community, and respect among its pupils, laying a strong foundation for their future. It seeks to develop confidence and a love of learning through a broad and balanced curriculum. The pupil population is diverse, with families primarily from professional backgrounds in Brighton and Hove. The school reports that the ability of pupils upon entry is average compared to national standards. It has identified 21 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who receive additional support, and 25 pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL).

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspections conducted in March and June 2023 revealed several key findings. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) assessed the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection highlighted that while the school meets many standards, it does not fully comply with all required standards, particularly in safeguarding and recruitment checks.

The quality of education provided at Windlesham School is generally strong. The school’s assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, covering the required breadth of material. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents on its policy, which aligns with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, indicating effective teaching and learning practices.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The relevant standards in this area are also met. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with good behavior promoted and bullying effectively prevented. Health and safety requirements are met, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment. However, the inspection identified deficiencies in recruitment checks, particularly regarding the prohibition from teaching checks for peripatetic music teachers, which were not carried out promptly.

The school has appropriate measures in place to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, and maintains a register as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents and stakeholders, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission and behavior.

The handling of parental complaints is effective, with a clear three-stage process in place. The leadership and management of the school, however, require improvement. The proprietor has not ensured that senior leaders demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge, particularly regarding safeguarding responsibilities. This has resulted in inconsistencies in meeting the required standards.

The educational quality inspection found that the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit outstanding attitudes to learning, contributing significantly to their success. They are articulate, effective communicators, and demonstrate a passion for mathematics and the arts. The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent, with deep self-understanding and high levels of kindness and collaboration observed among peers.

Recommendations from the inspection suggest that the school should enhance pupils’ skills in information and communication technology (ICT) by integrating these skills across more curriculum areas. Additionally, there is a need to further develop pupils’ emotional literacy and understanding of mental health.

Pupils at Windlesham School achieve strong progress relative to their abilities, with data indicating that most Year 6 pupils meet or exceed national expectations. The school successfully instills a love of learning, with pupils demonstrating curiosity and engagement in their studies. They exhibit excellent study skills, reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses, and receive immediate feedback from teachers to support their learning.

Pupils also excel outside the formal curriculum, participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, where they have achieved national recognition. The school fosters a culture of reading, and pupils are encouraged to pursue musical instruments, often performing at a high standard.

The personal development of pupils is characterized by strong self-awareness, respect for diversity, and active participation in school life. They demonstrate high levels of moral understanding and take responsibility for their behavior. Pupils engage in community service and environmental initiatives, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.

Overall, Windlesham School and Nursery provides a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence and personal development. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in safeguarding and leadership, the school’s commitment to fostering a love of learning and respect for others is evident in its practices and the achievements of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to address the identified deficiencies and continue its mission of providing quality education in a supportive and inclusive setting.