Cokethorpe School

Cokethorpe School is a co-educational independent day school located in West Oxfordshire, founded in 1957. Initially established as a boarding school for boys, it transitioned to a co-educational institution in 1991 and no longer offers boarding facilities. The school comprises a prep school, which includes an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) setting, a senior school, and a sixth form, all situated on a single site in a rural parkland environment. The current chair of governors has held the position since the last inspection.

The school aims to provide a liberal education that challenges every pupil to achieve their ambitions while fostering a sense of responsibility, courage, empathy, judgment, resilience, and integrity. Pupils come from diverse family backgrounds, primarily residing within a 20-mile radius of the school. The school's assessment data and nationally standardized tests indicate that the ability of pupils upon entry is broadly average. The school has identified 46 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including conditions such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, all of whom receive additional support. Additionally, five pupils are identified as having English as an additional language (EAL), and the school aims to provide appropriately challenging educational opportunities for all pupils, including those who are more able.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a focused compliance inspection combined with an educational quality inspection in November 2022. The inspection assessed the school's compliance with the Independent School Standards and the quality of education provided. The key findings indicated that the school does not meet all required standards, particularly in safeguarding and the suitability of staff. The school must ensure that suitable references are obtained for all staff and that checks for medical fitness are conducted before staff commence work. The leadership and management of the school were also found lacking in demonstrating good skills and knowledge to ensure that standards are consistently met.

In terms of educational quality, the school provides a curriculum that enables pupils to make good progress. The teaching in the prep school and senior school supports pupils in achieving high levels in external examinations, with GCSE and A-level results from 2020 to 2022 confirming this progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place. Pupils receive relationships education in the prep school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, with the school having consulted parents and published a written policy in line with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, facilitating their growth as responsible and tolerant citizens. The school promotes good behavior and prevents bullying, meeting health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance registers. A disability access plan is also in place.

The school has appropriate toilet and changing facilities, and the premises are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements. The school provides adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety.

Parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, and records of complaints are maintained appropriately. The school meets the standards relating to the provision of information and the handling of complaints. However, the leadership and management of the school do not consistently demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure that all standards are met.

The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils demonstrate high levels of attainment, with almost all achieving grades in external examinations that exceed expectations for their ability. They exhibit excellent attitudes to learning, articulate communication skills, and effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance their learning. Pupils also display strong creative skills and make good progress over time, supported by focused teaching and a culture of striving for excellence.

Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with a strong sense of community and support for one another. They develop self-confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills throughout their time at the school. The school encourages pupils to engage in a wide range of co-curricular activities, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Pupils are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and demonstrate a good understanding of online safety.

The school promotes a strong sense of community and respect among pupils, who value diversity and inclusivity. They engage in various community service initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. The school fosters an environment where pupils can express their thoughts and feelings, contributing to a positive school culture.

Overall, Cokethorpe School provides a supportive and challenging educational environment that encourages pupils to achieve their academic and personal goals. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in compliance with safeguarding standards and the effectiveness of leadership and management, the school demonstrates a commitment to fostering the holistic development of its pupils. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths in academic achievement and personal development, affirming its mission to provide a liberal education that prepares pupils for future success.