Yateley Manor School
51 Reading Road, Yateley, GU46 7UQ
Pupils
296
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Robert Upton
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£364 to £5,640
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About Yateley Manor School
Yateley Manor School, located in the heart of Yateley, offers a unique educational experience that prioritises the individual journey of each child. With a welcoming approach that eschews academic selection and waiting lists, the school prides itself on inclusivity, having turned away only two children in seven years. This open-door policy ensures that as long as pupils can access the curriculum, they are welcome to join the vibrant community.
The school operates a two-form entry system, with class sizes averaging 15, allowing for personalised attention and fostering a close-knit learning environment. Most pupils join in reception or year 3, following a taster day that includes informal assessments. In-term applications are also welcomed, reflecting the school’s flexible and accommodating nature. From September 2024, the school is set to expand, adding years 9, 10, and 11, thereby offering GCSE provision and allowing pupils to continue their education seamlessly into the senior school.
Yateley Manor School is renowned for its excellent academic results, with leavers frequently securing scholarships and awards to a diverse range of local day schools, state schools, and elite boarding schools. The school goes above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition for its pupils, even checking which exam boards potential future schools use. Despite external pressures leading some pupils to leave at year 6, the school remains committed to making a significant difference in the crucial years 7 and 8, with some pupils returning to benefit from this focused attention.
The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its strapline, Your child, their journey, our focus, which resonates with parents who value the nurturing and individualised approach. As one of the four founder schools of the Prep School Baccalaureate, Yateley Manor offers a creative and boundless curriculum that emphasises character development, including skills such as collaboration and leadership. From year 3, children are gently streamed and taught by passionate subject-specific teachers from year 5, with parents unanimously praising the high quality of teaching.
The school’s facilities, while described by some parents as a bit tired looking, are secondary to the exceptional teaching and learning that takes place within. The modern pre-prep area is a vast, self-contained space with an airy central hub for assemblies and activities, surrounded by colourful classrooms and a dedicated play zone. The school’s pastoral approach is underpinned by a family ethos, with strong communication between staff, parents, and pupils. Discipline is handled with certainty rather than severity, and the school is praised for its supportive environment, with no reported cases of bullying in recent years.
The extra-curricular offering is rich and varied, with a focus on art, drama, and music. Pupils enjoy a minimum of three hours a week in these subjects, with around half taking individual music lessons. The school boasts a dedicated director of music and a director of drama, both of whom bring a wealth of expertise and passion to their roles. The sports programme is equally impressive, with a new director of sport bringing fresh ideas and a commitment to broadening the playing field for all pupils.
Parents appreciate the school’s wraparound care, flexible pick-up times, and bus service, which cater to busy family lives. The school is described as welcoming and diverse, reflecting the community it serves. Social events, such as the annual quiz night and Harrods run at Christmas, are much anticipated, adding to the vibrant school life.
In conclusion, Yateley Manor School offers a warm and welcoming environment where imagination and intellect are ignited, and memories are made. The dedicated teachers are the jewels in the crown of this exceptional school, which truly goes the extra mile for its pupils. 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
Yateley Manor School is an independent preparatory day school located in Yateley, Hampshire, catering for boys and girls aged between three and thirteen years. Established in 1947, the school became a charitable trust in 1970, governed by a board of governors. Since the last inspection, there have been significant changes in leadership, including the appointment of a new chair of governors and several new directors. The school has made considerable investments in its facilities, including the development of a Virtual Learning Environment and the refurbishment of various educational spaces, such as science laboratories, a cookery center, and a dedicated music center. The school also provides specialized areas for early years education, including dedicated outdoor learning spaces for the Nursery and Reception classes.
The school's mission is to prepare pupils for their future adult lives by offering an inspiring educational journey that emphasizes strong relationships and high-quality teaching. The curriculum is designed to foster a love for learning among students, ensuring that they are well-equipped for the challenges ahead. The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional and business backgrounds, primarily from white British families residing within a ten-mile radius of the school. The school reports that the overall ability of its pupils is above average, as indicated by national standardized test data. A small number of pupils have special educational needs, and the school provides tailored support to ensure that all students can thrive.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Yateley Manor School meets the standards set forth in the Education Independent School Standards Regulations 2014. The inspection process is overseen by the Department for Education, which mandates inspections at specified intervals or when concerns arise. The inspection focused on various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, the spiritual and moral development of pupils, their welfare and safety, the suitability of staff, the premises, the provision of information, the handling of complaints, and the quality of leadership and management.
The school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, rather than relying solely on national benchmarks. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by comprehensive plans and schemes of work, ensuring that it covers a broad range of subjects. Teaching practices are effective, promoting good progress among pupils while maintaining high standards of behavior. The school has established a robust assessment framework to monitor pupil performance.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that encourage pupils to become responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards related to this aspect of education are met, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded education.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school adheres to current statutory guidance, promotes good behavior, and implements measures to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety protocols, and provisions for first aid are established. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, demonstrating a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring that the school is accessible to all students.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, with appropriate measures taken to ensure that all individuals in contact with pupils are vetted. A register is maintained as required, ensuring compliance with regulations regarding staff suitability.
The school's premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for medical needs. The environment is conducive to learning, with appropriate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. Outdoor spaces are available for physical education and play, contributing to a holistic educational experience.
Yateley Manor School effectively communicates a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily accessible on the school's website, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The school has established a clear and effective process for handling parental complaints, which includes informal, formal, and hearing stages. Each stage has defined timelines, and the panel at the third stage can make findings and recommendations that are communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately, ensuring that the school addresses concerns in a timely and effective manner.
Leadership and management at Yateley Manor School demonstrate strong skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the standards are consistently met and actively promotes the well-being of pupils. The overall quality of leadership and management is in line with the required standards, contributing to the school's positive environment and educational outcomes.
The inspection evidence gathered included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and examinations of pupils' work. Inspectors engaged with staff and governors, observed extracurricular activities, and visited facilities dedicated to the youngest pupils. The responses from parents, staff, and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires were analyzed, providing a comprehensive view of the school's operations and effectiveness.
In conclusion, Yateley Manor School is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares pupils for their future. The school meets all regulatory standards and demonstrates a strong commitment to the welfare and development of its students. With effective leadership, a well-rounded curriculum, and a focus on personal development, Yateley Manor School continues to foster an environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024