The Mount School (York)

The Mount School in York, founded in 1785 by The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), is an independent day and boarding school for female pupils. It operates as a registered charity governed by a local body of appointed trustees. The school caters to a diverse range of students, offering education from preschool through to sixth form, accommodating children aged 3 to 18 years. The current principal, David Griffiths, has been in position since January 2022. The school is committed to nurturing values based on Quaker Testimonies, emphasizing simplicity, truth, equality, peace, social justice, and sustainability. It aims to inspire pupils to achieve personal excellence and develop into confident, self-aware, and compassionate young women who can think independently and contribute positively to society.

The Mount School has a student population of 206, with 181 day pupils and 25 boarders. The demographic of the school includes pupils from various nationalities, with boarders and day students coming from four different continents. Most students hail from families within a 25-mile radius of the school. The school identifies 34 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, with 19 receiving additional support. Additionally, 35 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, with 23 receiving specialized assistance for their English language development.

The recent regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that The Mount School meets all standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022, and relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection was a compliance-only review, focusing on the school's adherence to these standards without evaluating the quality of education in detail.

The inspection highlighted several key findings regarding the quality of education provided. In the junior school, the school's assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. Similarly, the GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022 demonstrate that students in the senior school also achieve good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that it covers the required breadth of material. The teaching practices are effective, with suitable resources and behavior management strategies in place. Boarders have access to a well-structured program of activities, and the school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted within the school. The principles and values fostered at The Mount School encourage pupils to become responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are taken into account by staff, fostering a supportive environment. The relationships among pupils and staff are built on mutual trust and respect, contributing to a positive school culture.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the well-being of its pupils. These arrangements align with current statutory guidance, promoting good behavior and preventing bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and first aid is adequately provided. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, and implements a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils.

The boarding provision at The Mount School is well-managed, with an appropriate induction process for new boarders. The school ensures that boarders receive suitable medical and health care, as well as adequate food and drink. Boarding staff are appropriately trained and deployed, ensuring that the needs of all boarders are met. The accommodation provided for boarders is adequate and promotes their welfare.

The school has robust procedures in place to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. Appropriate checks are conducted, and a register is maintained as required. Visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised, and the school's guardianship arrangements are effectively managed.

The premises and accommodation at The Mount School meet the required standards. Suitable toilet and changing facilities are provided, along with adequate showering facilities. The premises are well-maintained, ensuring health and safety standards are met, with appropriate acoustics and lighting. Sufficient outdoor space is available for physical education and outdoor play, and the boarding accommodation is adequate for the needs of all boarders.

The school effectively communicates a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety provisions, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that each stage has clear timelines and that findings and recommendations are communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately, including those related to boarding provision.

The leadership and management of The Mount School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and the management of boarding is appropriate, with required policies and records being maintained and monitored effectively.

Overall, the inspection concluded that The Mount School meets all applicable standards, with no further action required as a result of this compliance inspection. The school’s commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils is evident in its practices and policies, ensuring a holistic educational experience that aligns with its Quaker values.