Braeside School

Braeside School, located in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, is an all-through day school catering for pupils from Nursery to Year 11. Established in 1944 as a school for girls, it transitioned to a coeducational institution in September 2021, currently enrolling both male and female pupils, with boys primarily in the Nursery and Reception classes. The school is part of the Oak-Tree Group of Schools, which is family-owned, and is managed by Mr. Matthew Hagger, who oversees administrative arrangements across the group. Since the last inspection, Braeside has appointed a new headmistress, Mrs. Chloe Moon, and consolidated its operations onto a single site.

The school aims to foster an educational environment that promotes independence, courage, success, and friendship. It emphasizes openness and honesty, striving to create a supportive family atmosphere where pupils can thrive in their learning journeys. Most students come from professional families within a three-mile radius, and the school reports that pupils' abilities align with national averages. A small number of pupils are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, with no pupils currently holding an education, health, and care plan. The school also accommodates pupils for whom English is an additional language, and it has identified a group of the most able pupils for whom the curriculum is tailored.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection alongside an educational quality inspection in March 2023. The compliance inspection assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards, confirming that Braeside meets all required standards, including those related to safeguarding, health and safety, and the suitability of staff. The school has established effective measures to promote pupil welfare, including maintaining proper supervision, ensuring health and safety compliance, and implementing a disability access plan.

In terms of educational quality, the inspection revealed that the school provides a high standard of education, with pupils making good progress across all areas of the curriculum. The teaching framework supports effective behavior management and is complemented by suitable resources. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, enabling pupils to achieve good academic outcomes. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.

Pupils' academic achievements are commendable, with performance in GCSE examinations from 2019 to 2022 indicating that they make good progress. The school has a robust assessment framework that confirms pupils' progress and achievement levels. The curriculum is designed to challenge pupils, although there is a recommendation to further enhance opportunities for the most able pupils to pursue their intellectual interests beyond the classroom.

The personal development of pupils is also a strong focus at Braeside. The school actively promotes principles and values that encourage responsible citizenship, tolerance, and respect for diversity. Pupils demonstrate excellent self-knowledge and resilience, although some express anxiety regarding examination pressures. The school fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, with pupils showing strong social skills and a commitment to community involvement. They participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and the performing arts, and contribute to charitable initiatives.

The quality of leadership and management at Braeside is effective, with the proprietor ensuring that the leadership team possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities. The school has established clear communication channels for handling parental complaints, and the leadership team actively promotes pupil well-being.

Overall, Braeside School is characterized by its commitment to providing a high-quality education that supports both academic and personal development. The school meets all regulatory compliance standards and demonstrates a strong ethos of care and support for its pupils. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths in fostering a positive learning environment, promoting pupil engagement, and encouraging a sense of community and responsibility among its students. The recommendations provided by the inspectors aim to further enhance the educational experience, particularly for the most able pupils and in preparing students for the challenges of public examinations.