Kirkstone House School

Kirkstone House School is a co-educational day school located just outside Peterborough, founded by the mother of the current proprietor, Mr. Edward George Wyman. The school operates under the ethos that the individual counts, aiming to provide a nurturing educational environment that promotes kindness, tolerance, and emotional resilience. The school caters to pupils aged five to eighteen, divided into lower and senior sections, and has a total enrollment of 105 students, with 20 in the lower school and 85 in the senior school. The school specializes in educating pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with 82 identified students, 55 of whom have an education, health, and care plan.

The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection, including the appointment of a new headteacher in September 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school remained open for key workers and vulnerable pupils while providing remote learning for others. The inspection process was adapted to account for health and safety measures, with evidence gathered both remotely and on-site.

The school meets the Independent School Standards, with no further action required following the inspection. The quality of education provided is documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, and teaching is characterized by effective behavior management and suitable resources. Pupils receive relationships education in the lower school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, with parental consultation and published policies in place.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, ensuring good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate supervision and first aid provisions are in place. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance registers and has a disability access plan.

Staff suitability checks are conducted, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education. A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for behavior and health and safety. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, with clear time scales and appropriate record-keeping.

Leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting the well-being of pupils. The educational quality inspection focuses on the achievement of pupils and their personal development. The quality of pupils' academic achievements is sound, with most pupils making progress in relation to their starting points. Pupils enjoy practical activities beyond academics, such as drama, music, and sports, and develop positive attitudes toward learning.

However, some pupils struggle to understand how to improve their work, and their progress in certain subjects is hindered by teaching methods that do not encourage collaboration. The quality of personal development is good, with pupils forming positive relationships and demonstrating commitment to the school's ethos. They are aware of different cultures and religions, although there is room for improvement in developing their understanding of consent and boundaries.

The school is advised to strengthen academic achievement by ensuring that teaching captures pupils' interest and provides appropriately challenging activities. Feedback on pupils' work should clearly identify next steps for learning, and opportunities for collaboration should be increased. Additionally, the school should enhance pupils' awareness of different cultures and implement its relationships and sex education scheme fully.

Overall, Kirkstone House School provides a supportive environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school emphasizes the importance of individual attention and emotional support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning. The commitment to fostering a caring community is evident in the positive relationships between staff and pupils, as well as the active involvement of pupils in charitable initiatives and community service. The school continues to strive for improvement, ensuring that all pupils are equipped for their future endeavors.