Fyling Hall School

Fyling Hall School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire. Established in 1923, the school became a charitable trust in 1978, governed by a board of trustees. The school caters to a diverse age range, from four to nineteen years, and offers a comprehensive educational experience that includes an Early Years Foundation Stage, junior and senior departments, and a sixth form. The school has a total enrollment of 178 pupils, with 136 day students and 42 boarders, who come from various backgrounds, including local professional families and international students from Europe and the Far East.

The school aims to provide a high-quality education that identifies and nurtures the potential of each pupil, equipping them with the necessary qualifications to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The student body is described as being of broadly average ability, with support provided for those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as for pupils for whom English is an additional language. The school modifies its curriculum to cater to more able pupils and those with specific creative talents.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in October 2022 revealed several key findings regarding the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection focused on various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, and the welfare, health, and safety of students.

In terms of educational quality, the inspection found that the school provides a curriculum that is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The teaching in both the junior and senior schools enables pupils to make good progress, as evidenced by the school's GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022. The standards related to the quality of education were deemed to be met, indicating that the school effectively promotes learning and development among its pupils.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted within the school environment. The school encourages responsible citizenship and fosters good relationships among pupils and staff based on mutual respect. The views of boarders are considered, and their opinions are taken into account by the staff, contributing to a supportive community atmosphere. The standards in this area were also met, reflecting the school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.

Regarding the welfare, health, and safety of pupils, the inspection highlighted that the school has made arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of its students. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. However, the school was found to have deficiencies in reporting the arrival and departure of pupils at non-standard transition points to the local authority. Additionally, the school lacks a strategic approach to risk assessment, which is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. While some standards in this area were met, others were not, necessitating immediate action to address these shortcomings.

The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. The school was found to conduct appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of individuals working with pupils, and a register is maintained as required. The standards related to the suitability of staff were met, indicating that the school takes the necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for its students.

In terms of premises and accommodation, the school provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate accommodation for medical needs. However, the inspection noted that drinking water facilities in the senior school were not readily accessible at all times during the school day, which is a requirement that was not met. This finding highlights the need for the school to ensure that all facilities are compliant with health and safety standards.

The provision of information to parents and stakeholders was found to be satisfactory, with a range of information published regarding the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies. The school effectively communicates its arrangements for admissions, behavior, and health and safety, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The handling of complaints was also evaluated, and the school was found to have an effective three-stage process for addressing parental complaints. This process includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel, ensuring that concerns are managed appropriately.

Leadership and management within the school were assessed, revealing that while appropriate policies and records are maintained, there is a need for improved oversight to ensure that standards are consistently met. The inspection indicated that the proprietor has not ensured that leadership demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill responsibilities effectively, which is crucial for promoting the well-being of pupils.

In summary, Fyling Hall School demonstrates a commitment to providing quality education and fostering the personal development of its pupils. While many standards were met, the inspection identified several areas requiring immediate attention, particularly in relation to risk assessment, reporting procedures, and ensuring the accessibility of facilities. The school is encouraged to take prompt action to address these deficiencies to enhance the overall safety and well-being of its students. The findings of the inspection serve as a valuable guide for the school to improve its practices and continue to provide a supportive and enriching environment for all pupils.