Hatherop Castle School
Hatherop, Cirencester, GL7 3NB
Pupils
261
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Nigel Reed
Boarding / Day
Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding
Fees
£440 to £5,430
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Check school website
About Hatherop Castle School
Hatherop Castle School, located in the picturesque Cotswolds, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, providing a nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 13. Despite its name, the school is not a castle in the traditional sense, but rather a charming 17th-century country residence set in 22 acres of beautiful grounds. The school has a rich history, having transitioned from a girls’ school to its current co-educational format in 1994.
The school is part of the Wishford group, which has brought significant improvements in finance, IT, and transport. Under the leadership of Mr Reed, the school has seen substantial investment in facilities, including a new performing arts centre and a floodlit Astroturf. Parents have noted improvements in the school’s infrastructure, contributing to a more vibrant learning environment.
Hatherop Castle School is non-selective, welcoming children from diverse backgrounds. The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, with small class sizes and a robust tutor system ensuring that each child receives individual attention. The anti-bullying policy is well-structured, and pupil champions are appointed to support their peers. Dining is a communal affair, with mixed-year tables fostering a sense of community among students.
Academically, the school has a renewed focus on measurement and creating robust trajectories for students. The Aspire programme offers lectures and workshops, enhancing the learning experience. The Head of Learning Support ensures that students with special educational needs receive the necessary support within the classroom. The school accommodates a range of needs, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and Down’s syndrome, although it recognises its limits in handling severe pastoral or behavioural issues.
Specialist Science education begins in year 4, with engaging experiments that capture students’ imaginations. The use of technology is integrated into the curriculum, with Surface Gos provided from year 5. Art is taught in a calming orangery studio, and music is a significant part of school life, with many students taking individual lessons. The chapel choir performs weekly, adding to the school’s rich cultural tapestry.
Sport at Hatherop Castle School is inclusive, with the new AstroTurf enhancing the sports programme. While the outdoor swimming pool has been decommissioned, swimming lessons are held off-site. The school offers a range of sports, including fencing, which is particularly popular. Small class sizes mean that year groups may need to combine for team sports, and while competition may be limited for elite athletes, the focus remains on participation and enjoyment.
The school offers a wide array of extra-curricular activities, with a dedicated hobbies afternoon encouraging students to explore interests beyond the curriculum. Clubs are available daily, covering a diverse range of activities from golf and cross-country running to podcasting and Lego robotics. Annual trips for older students provide opportunities for adventure and team-building.
Boarding at Hatherop Castle School is flexible, with options for full, weekly, and flexi-boarding. The boarding facilities are comfortable, with a shared common room promoting interaction among students. Weekend activities are varied and exciting, ensuring that boarders have a fulfilling experience.
The school community is predominantly local, with families living within a 20-mile radius. The parent body is diverse, including business owners, professionals, and forces families. The active parents’ group organises events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community.
In summary, Hatherop Castle School provides a warm, happy, and supportive environment where children can thrive. The school’s commitment to nurturing each child’s individuality and preparing them for the next stage of their education is evident in its comprehensive approach to learning and development. 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.
ISI Review
Hatherop Castle School is an independent co-educational institution located in Gloucestershire, catering for children aged two to thirteen. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience that includes the Early Years Foundation Stage, pre-prep, and prep levels, with a total enrollment of 273 pupils, including 14 boarders. The school is managed by the Wishford Schools group, which has overseen significant development and refurbishment since the last inspection.
The school's mission is to create a stimulating, secure, and safe environment where children can thrive and enjoy their childhood. It aims to foster success while instilling values such as consideration, confidence, tolerance, and patience. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional and farming backgrounds within a 20-mile radius, as well as a small number from overseas. The school has identified 37 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure all students can succeed.
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted in May 2023 confirmed that Hatherop Castle School meets all the required standards set by the Independent School Standards Regulations and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to safeguarding, promoting welfare, and ensuring the health and safety of its pupils. The school has effective measures in place to prevent bullying and promote good behavior, with a strategic approach to risk assessment and a disability access plan.
The quality of education provided at Hatherop Castle School is commendable. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. The teaching staff employs effective behavior management strategies and utilizes suitable resources to enhance learning. Relationships education is integrated into the curriculum, and the school has consulted parents to develop a policy that aligns with statutory guidance.
Pupils at Hatherop Castle School demonstrate excellent academic achievements, with skills, knowledge, and understanding that are advanced for their age. They exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and consistently engage in their studies. Literacy and numeracy skills are particularly strong, and pupils apply these skills effectively across the curriculum. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to excel in various fields, including sports, music, and drama. Many students achieve scholarships to their chosen senior schools, and the school fosters a holistic approach to development.
The personal development of pupils is also a key focus at Hatherop Castle School. Students are confident, self-assured, and demonstrate humility. They are encouraged to make rational decisions and value kindness, showing a strong understanding of right and wrong. The school promotes social interaction and collaboration, with pupils working well together and supporting one another. The leadership and management of the school are effective, ensuring that the required policies and records are maintained and monitored.
The inspection report emphasized the school's commitment to promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Pupils are encouraged to develop into responsible, tolerant citizens, and their views are actively sought and considered. The school fosters a sense of community and belonging, with a strong emphasis on respect and understanding for diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Hatherop Castle School also excels in providing a safe and nurturing environment for its boarders. The boarding accommodation is well-maintained, and staff are appropriately trained to support the needs of the pupils. The school ensures that boarders have suitable contact with family and friends and provides a range of activities to promote their well-being.
In summary, Hatherop Castle School is a thriving educational institution that successfully meets the needs of its pupils. The school provides a high-quality education, promotes personal development, and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. The recent inspection confirmed that the school meets all regulatory standards, and the commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the positive outcomes for pupils. The school’s ethos of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges is reflected in the achievements and attitudes of its students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024