Kingham Hill School

Kingham Hill School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in a rural area near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The school is owned by the Kingham Hill Trust, a charitable organization, and is governed by a board of governors, some of whom also serve as trustees. The school accommodates a diverse student body, with seven boarding houses—four for male pupils and three for female pupils, along with a mixed day and boarding house for female students. Currently, the school has 351 pupils enrolled, including 210 day pupils and 141 boarders, with a significant number of students requiring support for special educational needs and/or disabilities. The headmaster, Mr. Peter Last, has been in position since April 2023, and the school underwent a non-routine inspection in September 2023.

The recent inspection, conducted on May 23, 2024, was a material change inspection requested by the Department for Education to evaluate the school's proposal to increase its capacity from 370 to 405 pupils. This increase would include both day pupils and boarders. The inspection focused on the school's compliance with the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding 2022.

The inspection found that the school meets the required standards in several key areas, including safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety, first aid, supervision of pupils, and risk assessment. The school's safeguarding policy is robust, ensuring the welfare of all pupils, including boarders. The safeguarding team has been expanded to provide adequate support, and staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures. Pupils reported feeling safe and supported, with many trusted adults available to address their concerns.

Health and safety measures are effectively implemented, with a comprehensive health and safety policy in place. The school maintains a detailed site maintenance plan, ensuring that all health and safety matters are addressed promptly. Fire safety protocols are also well-established, with regular drills and appropriate training for staff and pupils. The school has a suitable first aid policy, ensuring that pupils receive necessary care when sick or injured.

Supervision of pupils is conducted effectively, with appropriate staffing levels and detailed supervision rotas in place. The school has implemented a thorough risk assessment policy, ensuring that all aspects of school life, including educational visits and boarding, are regularly reviewed for safety. The arrangements in place are deemed sufficient to accommodate the planned increase in pupil numbers.

The inspection also evaluated the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. The school effectively implements its recruitment policy, conducting all necessary pre-appointment checks on staff and volunteers. The single central register accurately records these checks, ensuring compliance with regulations.

In terms of premises and accommodation, the school provides suitable toilet and washing facilities, medical facilities, and well-maintained buildings. The medical centre is equipped to handle the needs of pupils, and the school has a detailed plan for ongoing maintenance and refurbishment. The boarding facilities offer good quality accommodation, ensuring privacy and comfort for boarders. The school has appropriate arrangements for laundry and storage of personal possessions, and the catering facilities provide nutritious meals that cater to various dietary requirements.

The school meets the standards for providing information to parents regarding safeguarding and has a suitable complaints policy in place. The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders demonstrating the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure compliance with all standards. They prioritize the welfare of pupils and have planned appropriately for the proposed increase in pupil numbers.

In summary, the inspection concluded that Kingham Hill School is well-equipped to handle the proposed increase in pupil numbers from 370 to 405. The school's planning and arrangements across various areas, including safeguarding, health and safety, and accommodation, are appropriate and likely to continue meeting the needs of the pupils. The recommendation is to approve the school's request for the increase in capacity, as the measures in place are sufficient to support the additional pupils effectively. The inspector engaged with various stakeholders, including the headmaster, senior leaders, staff, and pupils, to gather evidence and assess the school's readiness for the proposed changes. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all its pupils.