Oakhill College

Oakhill School, an independent co-educational day school founded in 1978, serves the Clitheroe area with a focus on providing a Roman Catholic education. The school is divided into three sections: the nursery, which includes both registered and non-registered Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings; the preparatory department for pupils from Reception to Year 6; and the senior department for Years 7 to 11. The school is governed by Oakhill College, Whalley Ltd, with oversight from an advisory governing body. Since the last inspection, the school has appointed a new principal and two vice-principals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school remained open only for children of key workers from March to August 2020, providing remote learning materials for pupils in Reception to Year 11. The inspection process for this report was adapted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to minimize contact. The report notes that public examinations were not held in 2020 and 2021, with centre-assessed grades awarded instead. Additionally, EYFS profiles have not been externally moderated since 2020.

The school aims to meet the needs of its pupils by providing a faith-based education that fosters a happy, safe, and stimulating environment. It seeks to develop spiritual awareness, encourage self-worth, and instill a sense of service and mutual respect among pupils. The student body is primarily composed of local families, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds. The school has identified 35 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with 26 receiving additional support.

The regulatory compliance inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the EYFS statutory framework. Key findings indicate that while the quality of education provided is generally good, there are significant deficiencies in health and safety measures. The school has effective teaching practices that enable pupils to make good progress, particularly in the junior department and at the GCSE level. However, the inspection highlighted inadequate oversight of health and safety procedures, including insufficient monitoring of records and failure to maintain safe conditions for electrical appliances.

The school has made strides in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, with principles and values actively fostering responsible citizenship. However, the welfare, health, and safety of pupils require immediate attention, particularly regarding fire safety measures and the management of hazardous substances. The school has been advised to implement effective oversight of health and safety records and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

In terms of leadership and management, the report indicates that the proprietor has not ensured that leadership demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill responsibilities effectively. There is insufficient oversight to ensure that all standards are consistently met, particularly regarding the welfare and safety of pupils. The report emphasizes the need for improved leadership to actively promote pupil well-being and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

The quality of the early years provision is deemed inadequate, despite the curriculum being well-structured and meeting the needs of children. While children make good progress in their personal and emotional development, the overall effectiveness of the early years provision is compromised by inadequate health and safety measures. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement, but regulatory compliance in health and safety areas remains a concern.

The educational quality inspection highlights that pupils achieve good academic outcomes and display excellent attitudes towards learning. They are articulate and confident in their communication skills, collaborating effectively with peers. However, there is a need to enhance opportunities for intellectual independence and challenge in the classroom. The school is encouraged to provide more opportunities for pupils to take initiative in their learning and deepen their academic understanding.

Overall, Oakhill School demonstrates a commitment to providing quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils. However, significant areas for improvement remain, particularly in health and safety compliance, leadership effectiveness, and the quality of early years provision. The school is advised to take immediate action to address these deficiencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils while continuing to support their academic and personal growth.