St Edward's School

St Edward’s School, located in the north of Oxford, is an independent co-educational boarding and day school that serves students aged 13 to 18. The school operates as a charitable trust overseen by a board of governors and features a middle school for pupils aged 13 to 16 and a sixth form for those aged 16 to 18. The boarding facilities are situated on the school grounds and across a nearby playing field, accessible via a private subway. The school has thirteen boarding houses, each managed by a housemaster or housemistress, and a small number of day pupils are affiliated with these houses.

Since the last inspection, the school has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of a new Warden and senior leadership team. The completion of a new academic center, which includes a library, reading rooms, and an assembly hall, as well as the opening of a thirteenth boarding house and refurbished art studios, has enhanced the school's facilities. The inspection also took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated government restrictions.

St Edward’s School aims to foster a liberal and open community that promotes scholarship through curiosity, creativity, collaboration, intelligence, innovation, and endeavor. The school seeks to inspire and celebrate commitment to service both within and outside the school community. The student body is diverse, primarily consisting of pupils from professional and business families, with a range of social backgrounds. The school has identified 193 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 23 receiving additional support. Additionally, 96 pupils speak English as an additional language, with three receiving extra assistance.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that St Edward’s School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection highlighted the quality of education provided, noting that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. The school provides relationships and sex education in accordance with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages boarders to express their views, and their opinions are taken into account by staff. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision of pupils, and health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety and first aid provisions.

The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior, and health and safety policies. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, and records are maintained appropriately.

The quality of leadership and management at St Edward’s School is strong, with the proprietor ensuring that the leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge. The school actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and the required policies and records are effectively monitored.

The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils demonstrate outstanding attitudes to learning, with excellent oral communication skills and well-honed study skills. The school has established a culture of high expectations, integrity, kindness, and courage, contributing to outstanding learning and progress. Academic results in GCSE and A-level examinations have consistently been above national averages, and pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language also achieve excellent outcomes.

Pupils exhibit a strong commitment to their studies, participating enthusiastically in lessons and extracurricular activities. They demonstrate excellent communication skills, articulating their thoughts confidently and engaging in discussions. The school fosters a collaborative learning environment, where pupils support one another across different abilities. Pupils develop excellent numeracy and ICT skills, applying their knowledge effectively across various subjects.

Beyond academics, pupils excel in creative subjects such as music and drama, participating in school productions and achieving success in graded examinations. They also engage in sports, with notable achievements in rowing and cricket. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and contribute to the community, including volunteering in local primary schools and supporting charitable initiatives.

Pupils display excellent personal development, demonstrating self-awareness and responsibility for their own growth. They engage in decision-making processes and develop strong relationships with staff and peers. The school promotes good behavior and moral understanding, with pupils taking responsibility for their actions. They show empathy and respect for diversity, actively participating in discussions about social issues and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

Overall, St Edward’s School provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils to thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to high standards of education, personal development, and community engagement is evident in the achievements and attitudes of its pupils. The inspection findings highlight the school’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of its diverse student body and preparing them for future success.