Stroud the King Edward VI Preparatory School

Stroud School, King Edward VI Preparatory School, located in Romsey, Hampshire, is an independent day school catering for pupils aged 3 to 11 years. Founded in 1926, the school has undergone several relocations and ownership changes, with its current administration under the King Edward VI School Trust since 2012. The school aims to nurture and support its pupils, fostering intellectual curiosity, resilience, confidence, and readiness for future educational steps.

The recent inspection, conducted from February 6 to 8, 2024, by a team of four inspectors, evaluated the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection included lesson observations, discussions with staff and pupils, and scrutiny of various school documents. The findings indicate that the school meets all relevant standards across various domains, including leadership and management, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding.

Leaders and staff at Stroud School work collaboratively to promote the school’s values and ethos, creating a respectful and purposeful environment. Pupils exhibit good behavior, largely due to the consultative and restorative approach to behavior management employed by staff. This approach emphasizes understanding the impact of actions on others, resulting in a low incidence of sanctions for poor behavior. The active engagement of designated governors in the school’s life provides knowledgeable support and appropriate challenges to the leadership team.

The senior leadership team has established a clear vision for the school, characterized by ambitious expectations and effective communication. This has fostered high levels of mutual trust among leaders, staff, parents, and pupils. The school’s arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with well-trained staff who are vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns regarding pupils’ safety. The school maintains effective partnerships with external safeguarding agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to pupil welfare.

In terms of educational quality, pupils make good progress from an early age, attributed to careful curriculum planning and skilled delivery. Regular assessments are rigorously analyzed, and teaching strategies, such as child-led inquiry and open questioning, are effectively employed, particularly in the early years. However, as pupils progress, there is a noted shift from child-led to teacher-led learning, which may limit opportunities for older pupils to develop independent critical inquiry skills. The school promptly identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring that their individual needs are met through appropriate resources and training for staff.

Pupils’ health, safety, and well-being are actively promoted, with systems in place for evaluating their mental health and well-being. The school encourages open communication, allowing pupils to express their concerns and ensuring that their voices are heard. The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on personal, social, health, and economic education, which supports pupils in developing a healthy lifestyle and emotional literacy.

Social and economic education is integrated into the school’s culture, with pupils demonstrating well-developed social skills and empathy towards one another. The school fosters an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated, and pupils are prepared for their roles in society. They engage with various cultural and historical contexts, enhancing their understanding of the world beyond the classroom. The school’s enterprise initiatives and charity work further instill a sense of responsibility and altruism among pupils.

The school’s safeguarding arrangements are comprehensive and effectively implemented. Pupils feel safe and secure, confident that their concerns will be addressed promptly. They are educated about online safety and understand the importance of reporting any issues. The school maintains robust procedures for health and safety, ensuring that all activities are conducted safely and that staff are well-trained in safeguarding practices.

Overall, Stroud School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and nurturing environment. The leadership team’s clear vision, combined with effective governance and a strong focus on pupil well-being, contributes to the school’s success. The school’s ability to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with SEND and English as an additional language, reflects its dedication to inclusivity and excellence in education. The positive relationships among staff, pupils, and parents further enhance the school community, creating a vibrant and engaging learning atmosphere.

In conclusion, the inspection findings affirm that Stroud School meets all relevant standards, highlighting its strengths in leadership, educational quality, pupil well-being, and safeguarding. The school is well-positioned to continue its mission of nurturing and supporting pupils, preparing them for their future educational journeys and instilling in them the values of empathy, resilience, and curiosity.