Heathfield Knoll
Wolverley, Kidderminster, DY10 3QE
Pupils
243
Ages
1 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr L Collins
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,015 to £5,000
ISC Associations
ISA, ISBA, The Society of Heads
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Heathfield Knoll
Heathfield Knoll, located in Kidderminster, offers a unique educational experience that caters to a diverse range of students. As a non-selective, co-educational day school, it provides entry from reception upwards, including mid-year admissions. The school emphasises the importance of a good fit for both the student and the family, with admissions involving an interview with the head and two taster days. A reference from the current school is sought once a conditional place is offered.
The school has expanded its offerings with the introduction of a sixth form in September 2022, providing students with the opportunity to continue their education on-site. The curriculum is broad, with core subjects like English, Maths, and Science complemented by lessons in wellbeing, current affairs, and learning strategies. This approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Heathfield Knoll is particularly noted for its support of students with special educational needs (SEN). The Connect programme, housed in a purpose-built building on-site, offers alternative provision for children with specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, autism, sensory needs, and other additional needs. The application process for Connect is thorough, ensuring that the school can meet the needs of each child. The programme is currently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity and success.
The school’s SEND department has gained a reputation for its professional, nurturing, and well-resourced approach. With 15% of the main school population requiring SEND support, the department caters to a range of mild to moderate needs. The Haven, a suite of light, bright rooms, provides a welcoming space for interventions, sensory needs, and social interaction. This inclusive approach extends to all students, fostering a supportive and positive learning environment.
Heathfield Knoll’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through its extra-curricular activities. The school offers a wide range of sports, including football, cricket, rugby, netball, and athletics, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate. The arts are also well-represented, with a new music facility that includes a recording studio and practice spaces. Collaboration with the drama department is encouraged, with productions like We Will Rock You showcasing the talents of students.
The school’s pastoral care is a standout feature, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. All staff are trained in mental health first aid, and the school offers workshops and assemblies on topics such as stress, self-harm, and peer pressure. Wellbeing ambassadors, overseen by a Head of Wellbeing, play an active role in promoting a positive school culture. The school council meets regularly, and feedback from pupils, staff, and parents is used to inform the school development plan.
Heathfield Knoll’s ethos is one of firm but fair discipline, with a focus on rewards rather than sanctions. The school takes a proactive approach to behaviour management, ensuring that all students feel safe and supported. The diverse cohort of parents, many of whom are professionals and business owners, appreciate the school’s supportive community and the opportunities it provides for their children.
In conclusion, Heathfield Knoll offers a personalised learning experience that prioritises wellbeing and inclusivity. Its commitment to supporting students with SEN, alongside a broad curriculum and extensive extra-curricular activities, makes it an attractive choice for families seeking a nurturing and supportive educational environment. 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
Heathfield Knoll School, an independent co-educational day school located near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, was established in January 2017 following the merger of Heathfield School and Knoll School. The school is now owned by KSI Education, which acquired it in 2020. Since the last inspection, the school has expanded its facilities to include support for children with education, health, and care plans, as well as new music, food technology, and art facilities, which have contributed to the establishment of a sixth form.
The school aims to provide engaging and enjoyable learning experiences that allow pupils to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities. It emphasizes treating each pupil as an individual and fostering their development of tolerance and respect, preparing them to become well-rounded and informed young adults. The student body comprises pupils from various professional and business backgrounds, with the overall ability level being broadly average compared to national standards. The school has identified a significant number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure their educational success.
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection revealed that the school meets the Independent School Standards and the relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection highlighted the quality of education provided, noting that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a breadth of material that meets educational standards. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, complying with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizenship. The school has established effective arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate measures are in place for first aid and supervision.
The school conducts thorough checks to ensure the suitability of staff and maintains accurate records as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behavior.
Parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The quality and standards of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision were also assessed, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The curriculum is carefully planned and implemented, meeting the unique needs of each child. Children make good progress in their learning and development, demonstrating high levels of personal and emotional security. The school has established strong relationships between children and their key persons, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
The inspection noted that while the quality of education is good, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in providing increased mathematical challenges and ensuring practitioners have access to a wider variety of professional development opportunities. The school is encouraged to enhance the independence and leadership skills of pupils, enabling them to make decisions that positively impact their lives.
In terms of academic achievements, the school has demonstrated good levels of performance, with many pupils making excellent progress. The commitment of senior leaders and the support provided by teachers contribute to strong outcomes in standardized tests and public examinations. Pupils with special educational needs achieve equally strong results, often from lower starting points, and most gain entry to their first-choice schools and colleges.
Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Heathfield Knoll School is successfully meeting the educational needs of its pupils while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The school is well-positioned to continue its development and enhance the quality of education it provides, ensuring that all pupils are equipped for future success.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024