ArnoldKEQMS (AKS)

AKS Lytham School is a co-educational day school located on the Fylde Coast, resulting from the merger of Arnold School in Blackpool and King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham in 2012. The school serves children from birth to 18 years, with separate facilities for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and prep school on the senior school site. It is part of United Learning, under the United Church Schools Trust, which oversees its governance. Since the last inspection, the school has lowered its admission age to accept children from birth, and a new headmaster and chair of governors were appointed in September 2019.

The school aims to provide a broad, holistic education within a caring community, guiding each pupil to develop into a global citizen. It encourages students to pursue their passions and ambitions while fostering the ability to make a positive impact on the world. The student body primarily comes from professional backgrounds in Lytham St Annes and surrounding areas. Data indicates that pupils in the preparatory and senior schools have average ability, while those in the sixth form are above average. The school supports 60 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia and dyspraxia, and provides additional help for 32 of these students. There are also 99 pupils identified as more able and 102 with specific talents in areas such as sports, music, and art.

The regulatory compliance inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards, particularly in safeguarding and recruitment checks. While the quality of education provided is generally good, with effective teaching and assessment frameworks in place, there are areas needing improvement. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the necessary breadth of material, allowing pupils to make good progress. Relationships education is provided in the prep school, and relationships and sex education in the senior school, with appropriate consultation with parents.

The school promotes good behavior and has measures in place to prevent bullying, ensuring health and safety requirements are met. However, not all recruitment checks on staff have been conducted in line with statutory guidance, particularly regarding employment references. The school must ensure that suitable references are obtained for all staff before employment begins. Additionally, checks on supply staff are not adequately performed, and the central register of appointments is not maintained as required.

The premises and accommodation at the school meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior, and complaints procedures, which are handled effectively through a structured process.

In terms of leadership and management, the school has not consistently demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that all standards are met. The leadership has not fully implemented safeguarding measures, and there is a need for improvement in governance and management practices to promote pupil well-being effectively.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit outstanding attitudes to learning, both independently and collaboratively. They are confident communicators, engaging in discussions and debates with maturity. Co-curricular achievements are extensive, and pupils demonstrate excellent study skills, developing into insightful independent thinkers. However, there is a noted underdevelopment in transferable skills, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT).

Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They show high levels of self-understanding and resilience, demonstrating a strong awareness of how to improve their learning. Pupils are passionate about making a difference and contribute significantly to charitable causes and community volunteering. The school encourages pupils to reflect on their learning and personal growth, fostering a culture of responsibility and character development.

Pupils possess strong moral understanding, showing awareness of fairness and respect for differing viewpoints. They understand the consequences of their decisions and are encouraged to make positive choices in their relationships. The school promotes a strong sense of community, with older pupils acting as role models for younger students.

Overall, while AKS Lytham School provides a high-quality education and fosters excellent personal development among its pupils, it must address specific compliance issues, particularly in safeguarding and recruitment practices, to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The school is well-positioned to continue its mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.