Read School

Read School is an independent day and boarding school located in Drax, North Yorkshire, catering for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Founded in 1667 by philanthropist Charles Read, the school originally aimed to provide education for poor boys from the village. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, investing in modern facilities such as an artificial sports pitch and a new music block. The school has also relocated its girls' boarding house to the main site, enhancing the overall experience for its students. The current headmaster, Mr. Mark Voisey, has been in position since November 2017, following the retirement of his predecessor.

As a registered charity, Read School is governed by a corporate trustee, with the governors serving as directors. The school is divided into three sections: the pre-preparatory department for children aged 3 to 7, the preparatory school for ages 7 to 11, and the senior school for ages 11 to 18. The school aims to provide a caring, inspiring, and enjoyable education that allows all pupils to reach their full potential, guided by values of fairness, hard work, and respect.

The student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional and business backgrounds, primarily from Yorkshire and surrounding counties, as well as some international students. The school reports that the overall ability of its pupils is above average, with 69 students identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including conditions such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. The school provides additional support for these students, as well as for 19 pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL). The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all students, including those identified as most able.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Read School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety of pupils, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.

The quality of education provided at Read School is deemed good, with pupils making good progress across all age groups. The school employs its own framework for assessing attainment in the junior school, while performance at GCSE has consistently been above the national average for maintained schools. A-level results have been in line with national averages, indicating a solid academic foundation. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, enabling effective teaching and learning.

In terms of personal development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship among pupils. The school encourages student participation in decision-making processes, and the views of boarders are taken into account. The school has a well-managed prefect system, and pupils are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities that enhance their social and personal skills.

Welfare, health, and safety measures are robust, with appropriate arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. The school promotes good behavior, prevents bullying, and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety. The induction process for new boarders is effective, and suitable provisions are made for their medical and health care needs.

The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, ensuring that all individuals in contact with pupils are appropriately vetted. The school maintains a register of staff suitability and supervises visitors to boarding accommodations. The premises are well-maintained, providing adequate facilities for pupils' needs, including suitable toilet and showering facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education.

Information provision to parents is comprehensive, covering various aspects of school life, including admission procedures, behavior policies, and academic performance. The school has a clear complaints procedure that is effectively implemented, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Leadership and management at Read School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and the leadership of boarding is effective in maintaining required policies and records.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is good. All groups of pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, achieve well and make good progress relative to their starting points. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and their achievements outside the classroom, particularly in music, drama, and sports, are commendable.

Pupils display high levels of self-confidence and maturity, with excellent relationships among peers. They actively contribute to the school and wider community through various charitable initiatives and extracurricular activities. The school fosters an environment that supports personal development, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning and engage in leadership opportunities.

Overall, Read School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes academic success and personal growth, preparing pupils for successful futures. The school's commitment to high standards in education, welfare, and personal development is evident in the positive experiences of its pupils and the supportive community it fosters.