Royal Masonic School for Girls

The Royal Masonic School for Girls, established in 1788, is an independent day and boarding school located in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Originally founded to educate the daughters of Freemasons, the school has evolved over the years and now serves a diverse population of female pupils aged 2 to 18. The school is organized into several departments: a pre-school for children aged 2 to 4, a pre-preparatory and preparatory department for ages 5 to 11, a senior school for ages 11 to 16, and a sixth form for ages 16 to 18. Each section is led by its own head, all overseen by the headteacher of the entire institution. The school accommodates full, weekly, and flexi-boarders from Year 4 to the sixth form in three boarding houses situated on the main campus.

In 2019, the school opened a new performing arts center, enhancing its facilities and offerings. The current chair of governors assumed her role in March 2022, indicating a recent transition in leadership. The school has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have been taken into account during the inspection process.

The Royal Masonic School for Girls aims to provide a holistic, values-based education that fosters the personal growth of each pupil. The school promotes a healthy learning culture and offers a broad curriculum designed to develop confident, adaptable, and ambitious learners who are motivated to achieve their personal goals. The educational approach is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those for whom English is an additional language (EAL). The school has identified 145 pupils with SEND, all of whom receive additional support, and 48 pupils who require assistance with English.

The inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that the Royal Masonic School for Girls meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection was a compliance-only review, focusing on the school's adherence to regulatory requirements without delving into broader educational quality assessments.

In terms of educational quality, the school demonstrates effective teaching practices that enable pupils to make good progress. In the junior school, the school's assessment framework indicates that pupils are achieving well. Similarly, the senior school's GCSE and A-level results from 2017 to 2019 reflect positive outcomes, confirming that teaching supports pupil progress effectively. The curriculum is well-documented and includes appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that all required subjects are covered. The school also provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted within the school environment. The school encourages pupils to become responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. Boarders' opinions and concerns are taken seriously, and any prefect systems in place are managed appropriately. This commitment to personal development aligns with the school's ethos and values.

Welfare, health, and safety are prioritized at the Royal Masonic School for Girls. The school has established arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their well-being, in line with current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety protocols, and first aid provisions are adequately addressed. 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 inclusivity for all pupils.

For boarders, the school implements a suitable induction process and provides comprehensive medical and health care, as well as appropriate food and drink provisions. Boarders have opportunities for contact with family and friends and access to a range of activities. The boarding staff are well-trained and effectively deployed, ensuring a supportive environment for all boarders.

The school conducts thorough checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodations are appropriately supervised, and the school's guardianship arrangements are well-managed, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.

The premises and accommodation at the Royal Masonic School for Girls meet the required standards. Adequate toilet and changing facilities are provided, along with appropriate accommodations for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The school maintains its premises to a high standard, ensuring health and safety compliance, and provides suitable outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The boarding accommodations are sufficient to meet the needs of all boarders, promoting their welfare and safety.

The 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 procedures, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily available on the school's website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. This process is designed to ensure that complaints are addressed effectively and that records are maintained appropriately.

Leadership and management at the Royal Masonic School for Girls demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team consistently meets the required standards and actively promotes the well-being of pupils. The management of boarding is also effective, with required policies and records being maintained and monitored appropriately.

Overall, the Royal Masonic School for Girls has shown a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils. The inspection findings confirm that the school meets all relevant standards, ensuring that it continues to be a safe and nurturing place for girls to learn and grow.