Dean Close St John's

Dean Close St John’s School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school located in Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Established in 1923, the school was initially known as St John’s on-the-Hill School. In July 2015, it became part of the Dean Close Foundation, with a board of trustees acting as governors. The school caters to children from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 8, with boarding available from Year 3. The current headmaster, Mr. Nick Thrower, has been in position since January 2021.

The school’s mission is to provide an education that motivates, challenges, and inspires pupils. It aims to help children reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential in a safe and supportive environment. The school emphasizes the importance of manners, respect, and self-discipline, maintaining high expectations for its pupils.

Most students come from the surrounding towns and villages, with a small number of boarders from military families and overseas. National standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are above the national average. The school has identified 25 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with 11 receiving additional specialist support. Additionally, five pupils are identified as having English as an additional language (EAL), with their needs supported by classroom teachers and specialists.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in June 2023, focusing on the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all applicable standards, requiring no further action.

The quality of education provided at Dean Close St John’s School is commendable. The school’s assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management is in place, and suitable resources support teaching. Boarders have access to a well-structured program of activities, and the school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, in accordance with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted. The school fosters principles and values that help develop pupils into responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are considered by staff. The school supports the development of good relationships among pupils and staff based on mutual trust and respect.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and bullying is actively prevented. Health and safety requirements, including fire safety, are met, and first aid provisions are in place. Pupils are properly supervised, and attendance registers are maintained. The school has a strategic approach to risk assessment and has implemented a disability access plan.

The induction process for new boarders is appropriate, ensuring that their medical and health care needs are met, along with provisions for food, drink, and laundry. Boarding staff are adequately trained and deployed, and boarders have suitable contact with family and friends.

The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised, and guardianship arrangements are effectively managed.

The premises and accommodation at the school are suitable, providing adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate accommodation for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school maintains its premises to a standard that meets health and safety requirements, ensuring adequate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. There is suitable outdoor space for physical education and play, and boarding accommodation meets the needs of all boarders while promoting their welfare.

The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the proprietor, the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety, first aid, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a three-stage process, which includes informal, formal, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear time scales, and records are kept appropriately, including actions taken regarding complaints related to boarding provision.

Leadership and management at Dean Close St John’s School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and appropriate management of boarding ensures that required policies and records are maintained and monitored effectively.

Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Dean Close St John’s School meets all the necessary standards and provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The school’s commitment to high educational standards, personal development, and the welfare of its students is evident in its practices and policies. The positive outcomes from the inspection reflect the school’s dedication to fostering a nurturing and challenging educational experience for all its pupils.