Rupert House School

Rupert House School, located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, is a co-educational day school that has been nurturing young minds since its founding in 1924. Originally established as St Joan’s School, it underwent a name change and relocation in 1930. The school is now part of the Wishford Education group, having joined in March 2024. It serves children aged 3 to 11 and is structured into three distinct phases: early years, Years 1 to 2, and Years 3 to 6. The school currently has 210 pupils enrolled, including 49 in the early years, with 15 in Nursery and 34 in Reception classes.

The recent inspection conducted from April 16 to 18, 2024, by a team of three inspectors, highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The inspection activities included lesson observations, discussions with staff and pupils, and scrutiny of various policies and documentation. The findings indicate that the school meets all relevant standards set by the Department for Education, particularly in areas concerning leadership, management, quality of education, and safeguarding.

Pupils at Rupert House School embody the core values of courage, creativity, respect, and resilience, all underpinned by kindness. They demonstrate a strong sense of community, extending friendship and support to one another in their daily interactions. The school’s leaders maintain high expectations regarding behavior and anti-bullying, which are embraced by the entire school community. As a result, pupils feel happy and well-supported, with few instances of poor behavior or bullying reported.

The leadership team possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to promote pupils’ wellbeing effectively. The new proprietors have implemented a systematic approach to policy oversight, ensuring that all staff appointments are scrutinized thoroughly. The early years education is well-structured, focusing on effective planning across the seven areas of learning, which facilitates good progress for children. Regular meetings among early years leaders promote a culture of wellbeing, ensuring that children in Nursery and Reception learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

The curriculum at Rupert House School is broad and regularly reviewed to meet the needs of its pupils. While lessons are carefully planned and pupils generally make progress, there are instances where this progress can be variable. The most effective teaching practices enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and skills, although there is a need for improvement in mathematics instruction, where some teaching lacks the necessary challenge for higher achievement.

Leaders have established effective pastoral support systems to prioritize pupils’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Data analysis shows that pupils make progress in mathematics, but inconsistencies in teaching methods sometimes hinder their ability to reach their full potential. The school emphasizes the importance of understanding British values, fostering a respectful and tolerant learning environment. However, there is a recognized need to enhance pupils’ understanding of certain protected characteristics, such as age, disability, and belief.

Health and safety procedures at Rupert House School are thorough, with timely checks and effective risk assessments ensuring pupil safety. The safeguarding culture is robust, with staff receiving appropriate training and maintaining detailed records. Pupils feel safe and confident in approaching trusted adults for guidance and support when needed.

The inspection report confirms that the school meets all standards related to leadership and management, quality of education, pupils’ physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The leadership team is encouraged to further extend opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge of protected characteristics and to strengthen teaching, particularly in mathematics, to consistently challenge pupils.

The school’s commitment to promoting pupils’ social and economic education is evident through various initiatives. Pupils engage in activities that foster cultural understanding and respect for diversity, such as International Day. They are encouraged to participate in community service, developing a sense of social responsibility. Younger pupils learn budgeting skills through visits to local shops, while older pupils engage in entrepreneurial projects to raise funds for charitable causes.

Rupert House School also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health through a wide range of recreational activities, including sports, arts, and music. Pupils are encouraged to participate actively, which contributes to their overall development and confidence. The school’s facilities are well-maintained, providing a conducive environment for learning and personal growth.

In conclusion, Rupert House School exemplifies a nurturing and supportive educational environment where pupils are encouraged to thrive academically and socially. The recent inspection highlights the school’s strengths in leadership, curriculum delivery, and safeguarding practices. With a commitment to continuous improvement, the leadership team is well-positioned to address areas for development, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. The school’s values and ethos create a strong foundation for pupils to become confident, respectful, and responsible members of society.