The Old School
Toad Row, Henstead, Beccles, NR34 7LG
www.theoldschoolhenstead.co.uk
Toad Row, Henstead, Beccles, NR34 7LG
www.theoldschoolhenstead.co.uk
Pupils
63
Ages
2 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Miss Melissa Clifton
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,830 to £3,645
ISC Associations
ISA, AGBIS, IAPS
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Check school website
The Old School in Beccles is a co-educational day boarding school that caters to boys and girls aged from two to eleven. With a Christian ethos at its core, the school provides a nurturing environment where children can grow both academically and spiritually. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive community is evident in its approach to education, which emphasises the development of the whole child.
The curriculum at the school is broad and balanced, offering a range of subjects that cater to the diverse interests and talents of its pupils. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science are taught alongside creative subjects like Art and Music, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. The school also places a strong emphasis on Physical Education, encouraging students to participate in various sports and activities that promote physical wellbeing.
One of the standout features of the school is its dedication to small class sizes, which allows for personalised attention and tailored instruction. This approach ensures that each child’s individual needs are met, and their unique strengths are nurtured. The teaching staff are highly qualified and passionate about their subjects, creating an engaging and stimulating learning environment.
The school’s Christian ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life, with regular assemblies and activities that encourage pupils to reflect on moral and ethical issues. This focus on values helps to instil a sense of responsibility and compassion in the students, preparing them to become considerate and thoughtful members of society.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the life of the school, offering students the opportunity to explore new interests and develop new skills. From drama clubs to sports teams, there is something for everyone, and these activities help to build confidence and foster teamwork among pupils.
The school’s facilities are well-maintained and provide a safe and welcoming environment for learning. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology to enhance the educational experience, and outdoor spaces are utilised for both play and learning. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment is evident in its continuous investment in resources and infrastructure.
Parental involvement is encouraged, with regular communication between the school and families to ensure that parents are kept informed of their child’s progress. This partnership between home and school is vital in supporting the child’s development and ensuring that they reach their full potential.
The school’s leadership team is dedicated to maintaining high standards and continuously seeking ways to improve the educational experience for all pupils. The Head of Learning Support plays a crucial role in ensuring that students with additional needs receive the support they require to succeed.
In summary, the Old School in Beccles offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Its commitment to small class sizes, a broad curriculum, and a strong Christian ethos makes it an excellent choice for families seeking a well-rounded education for their children. The school’s focus on values, community, and personal development ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
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The Old School Henstead, an independent co-educational day school located in Henstead, Suffolk, caters to children aged 2 to 11. The school is divided into two sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 2 to 5 and the junior school for pupils aged 5 to 11. The school operates under the governance of the Old School Henstead Educational Trust Ltd, which is a registered charity. Since the last inspection in October 2019, the school has appointed a new headteacher, Miss Melissa Clifton, in January 2023.
The recent inspection, conducted from February 13 to 15, 2024, involved a team of three inspectors who evaluated the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection process included various activities such as lesson observations, discussions with governors, staff, and pupils, and scrutiny of documentation and pupils' work. The inspectors also considered feedback from parents and staff through pre-inspection surveys.
The inspection findings indicate that the school meets all relevant standards across various domains, including leadership and management, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The governors play a crucial role in ensuring that school leaders possess the necessary skills and knowledge to promote pupil wellbeing. They maintain effective oversight through regular meetings with the headteacher and by auditing the implementation of policies and safeguarding procedures.
The school’s leadership effectively communicates its aims and ethos, which emphasize kindness, tolerance, and teamwork. These values are ingrained in daily practices, fostering a positive school culture where pupils feel valued and supported. The curriculum is broad and balanced, catering for the diverse needs of pupils and promoting curiosity and engagement. It covers all required areas of learning and is designed to enable pupils to make good progress from their starting points. However, the use of assessment data to track and evaluate pupil progress is noted to be limited, indicating an area for improvement.
Extracurricular activities, while currently limited in variety, are being addressed by the school to enhance opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and skills further. The school promotes high standards of behavior, supported by mutual respect and well-established pupil-teacher relationships. Pupils exhibit respectful and kind behavior, contributing to a nurturing environment where they feel safe and supported.
The school encourages pupils to engage with their local community, fostering a sense of responsibility and understanding of their role in society. This engagement is reflected in various initiatives, including support for local charities and participation in community events. The school also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding, with staff trained to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively. The safeguarding procedures are well understood, and the school maintains accurate records to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
In terms of educational quality, the curriculum is designed to support pupils' development across all areas of learning, particularly in communication, language, and physical development. Teachers employ a variety of techniques and resources to promote effective learning, creating a stimulating environment that encourages exploration and creativity. The use of technology in lessons enhances learning experiences, and pupils demonstrate confidence in using technology safely.
The school has established a robust assessment process to monitor pupil progress and attainment, particularly in the early years. However, there is a need for more effective use of tracking data in the junior school to better evaluate pupil progress and inform future learning. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to make good progress in line with their abilities.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities as they progress through the school, with opportunities to participate in leadership roles such as house captains and prefects. The school council introduces pupils to democratic processes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning environment. The curriculum also includes elements that promote economic wellbeing, teaching pupils about personal finance and the importance of making informed decisions.
The school prioritizes the mental and emotional wellbeing of its pupils, incorporating discussions on resilience and coping strategies into the curriculum. Pupils are supported by a dedicated mental health and wellbeing lead, and targeted interventions are in place to address individual needs. The school’s approach to behavior management is proactive, focusing on positive reinforcement and conflict resolution strategies.
Overall, the Old School Henstead demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive educational environment. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains responsive to the evolving needs of its pupils. The inspection report highlights the school’s strengths in promoting pupil wellbeing, delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, and fostering a positive school culture. However, it also identifies areas for development, particularly in the effective use of data to track pupil progress and the expansion of extracurricular opportunities. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and continue to provide high-quality education for its pupils.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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