The King's School

The King's School, located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is a co-educational independent day school that serves students from ages four to sixteen. The school is managed by Kingdom Education Limited and operates as a registered charity. The institution comprises both primary and secondary sections, with a total enrollment of 171 pupils. The school emphasizes a Christian ethos, aiming to provide a spiritually enriching and caring community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate took place from February 27 to 29, 2024. The inspection team, consisting of three inspectors, engaged in various activities, including lesson observations, discussions with staff and pupils, and scrutiny of school policies and documentation. The inspection aimed to evaluate the extent to which the school meets the statutory Independent School Standards and other regulatory requirements.

The findings of the inspection highlighted the school's commitment to promoting the well-being of its pupils. School leaders possess a deep understanding of the needs of their students and continuously assess the curricular provision to enhance learning outcomes. The school's ethos is built on principles of mutual respect and integrity, which are evident in the diverse community that the school fosters. The strong Christian foundation of the school positively influences the spiritual growth of its pupils.

Trustees play a crucial role in ensuring that school leaders possess the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. They maintain thorough oversight of school policies and their implementation, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate risks to pupils' well-being. The leadership team closely monitors pupil progress and provides tailored support to individuals as needed. As a result, pupils achieve above-average attainment levels at both the primary and secondary stages.

The learning environment at The King's School encourages self-confidence and ambition among pupils. Students are engaged in their learning and appreciate the support they receive. However, the inspection noted that feedback from teachers is sometimes insufficiently detailed, which can hinder some pupils' understanding of how to improve their performance further. While most teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and employ effective teaching strategies, there are instances where prior knowledge and understanding of pupils are not adequately considered in lesson planning.

The curriculum at The King's School is comprehensive and actively promotes British values and the rule of law. Pupils develop self-awareness and confidence through participation in a diverse and inclusive community that prioritizes collaborative experiences. In the early years setting, leaders have established a well-resourced, child-centered learning environment, enabling children to make good progress across all developmental areas.

Pupils have ample opportunities to engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and academic enrichment. Many of these activities are initiated by the pupils themselves, reflecting the school's commitment to pupil leadership. The school also has a clear careers program to support pupils transitioning to post-16 education, although this program is currently being redeveloped to provide more opportunities for career exploration.

The safeguarding of pupils is managed effectively, with a policy in place that adheres to the latest statutory guidance. The school maintains appropriate records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken, ensuring that staff are well-trained in identifying and managing risks. The safeguarding culture within the school is robust, with pupils feeling safe and supported by trusted adults.

The inspection concluded that The King's School meets all relevant standards across various areas, including leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The school is commended for its strong leadership, effective governance, and commitment to promoting the well-being and academic success of its pupils.

In terms of recommended next steps, the inspection team suggested that leaders ensure teachers utilize evidence from pupils' previous learning in lesson planning to facilitate more consistent progress. Additionally, it was recommended that the consistency and detail of teachers' feedback be strengthened to better inform pupils on how to improve their learning. Finally, the school was encouraged to accelerate the development of its careers program to fully support pupils in making informed decisions about their future pathways.

Overall, The King's School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education within a supportive and nurturing environment. The school's ethos, combined with effective leadership and governance, contributes to the positive experiences and outcomes of its pupils. The inspection findings reflect the school's dedication to continuous improvement and its focus on meeting the diverse needs of its student body.