Brooke House College

Brooke House College, an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Market Harborough, was subject to an unannounced additional inspection in April 2023. The school is overseen by a single proprietor, supported by an advisory board, and offers boarding from Year 7 across nine houses, four of which are on the main campus. The college caters to a diverse student body, including eight pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and 160 pupils who speak English as an additional language. The previous inspections were conducted in September 2021 and February 2022, focusing on educational quality and compliance.

The purpose of this inspection was to assess the school's compliance with the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding 2022, as requested by the Department for Education. The inspection focused on various aspects of safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, supervision, admissions, attendance, risk assessment, boarding accommodation, provision of information, complaints handling, and the quality of leadership and management.

The inspection team found that the school met all the relevant standards. The safeguarding policy was deemed appropriate, providing suitable arrangements to promote the welfare of pupils. The implementation of this policy was effective, with systems in place to listen to children, including those with English as an additional language. Pupils reported feeling supported and safe, with many staff members available to address any concerns. The designated safeguarding lead and her team were well-trained, overseeing the welfare of all pupils, including those in the football academy and boarding.

The school demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding, with appropriate actions taken in response to any concerns about pupils. The school also provided effective education on mental health and online safety, ensuring that pupils were well-informed about these critical areas. The advisory board members received appropriate training in safeguarding and provided effective oversight, ensuring that incidents were reviewed and necessary improvements were made.

Boarders expressed that they felt part of a welcoming and diverse community, treated with respect and care. The school promoted inclusion, and staff were aware of the increased vulnerability of boarders, particularly those who were newly arrived. An appropriate induction process was in place for new boarders, with comprehensive information provided in a clear and simple format. The boarding handbook was being revised to facilitate translation for pupils with limited English proficiency, ensuring that all boarders had access to necessary information and support.

The health and safety policy was suitable and effectively implemented, with a recent review confirming effective arrangements for critical incidents. The school maintained a suitable first aid policy, ensuring that qualified staff provided appropriate medical care for unwell boarders. A registered school nurse was available during the school day, and boarding staff had access to local medical services. The school facilitated appointments for pupils, including mental health services, and ensured that overseas pupils were registered with local general practitioners.

Supervision of pupils was appropriate, with sufficient staff available during the school day, evenings, and weekends. Boarders felt safe and secure in their environment, knowing which adults were on duty and how to find help if needed. The school reviewed its supervision arrangements following any incidents to ensure continued safety.

The school maintained accurate records of admissions, including contact details for emergencies. It implemented a suitable risk assessment policy, producing assessments for vulnerable pupils, particularly during transit to and from ports of entry in the UK. These assessments demonstrated effective strategies for minimizing risks, especially for those with limited English or cultural barriers.

The boarding accommodation was suitable, secure, and reserved for the pupils who occupied it. Boarders confirmed their feelings of safety and security within the boarding environment. The school met the requirements for providing information related to safeguarding to parents, with details published on the school’s website.

The complaints policy was suitable, and the school maintained an effective log of formal complaints, with no formal complaints recorded since the previous inspection. The leadership and management of the school were effective, with the proprietor ensuring that standards were consistently met and promoting the well-being of all pupils, including those in the boarding community and the football academy.

In summary, the inspection concluded that Brooke House College meets all the requirements of the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022. The school demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and the overall welfare of its pupils. The leadership and management were effective in ensuring that the school environment was safe, supportive, and conducive to learning. No further action was required as a result of this inspection, affirming the school's dedication to providing a high-quality educational experience for its pupils.