Brookes School Cambridge

Brookes UK School, located on Flempton Road in Risby, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, is an independent co-educational institution that offers both day and boarding options for students aged 2 to 17. The school has been under the proprietorship of Brookes Education Group since 2015 and has a rich history, having moved to its current site in 1984. The school comprises a nursery, lower school, senior school, and a boarding house, all situated on the same campus. Currently, the school serves 153 pupils, including eight boarders aged between 10 and 16. It also has an early years setting for children aged 2 to 5 and has identified 26 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 17 of these having an education, health, and care plan. Additionally, six pupils are identified as having English as an additional language.

The school’s mission is to foster self-confidence, kindness, and a sense of community among its pupils, preparing them for future responsibilities in a diverse society. The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from October 3 to 5, 2023, highlighted several areas of concern regarding the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection team, consisting of five inspectors, observed lessons, engaged with pupils and staff, and reviewed various school documents to assess the quality of education and overall management.

The inspection findings revealed that the leadership and management of the school are not meeting the required standards. The report indicated that leaders and managers lack the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This deficiency has resulted in inadequate oversight of the school's operations, particularly in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of pupils. The proprietor's oversight of leadership is insufficient, leading to potential risks that are not effectively managed. Consequently, standards related to leadership, management, governance, the quality of education, and safeguarding are not consistently met.

In terms of safeguarding, the arrangements in place to protect and promote the welfare of pupils, including those in the early years, are ineffective. The oversight of safeguarding by the proprietor is not robust, and staff have not received adequate training to recognize and report low-level safeguarding concerns. Furthermore, leaders do not consistently record, consider, or report concerns and allegations regarding staff behavior. This lack of effective safeguarding measures poses significant risks to pupils' wellbeing.

The quality of education provided at Brookes UK School is also a concern. While the curriculum is generally suitable and meets the individual needs of pupils, the implementation of behavior management strategies is inconsistent. Some teachers lack the experience and training necessary to manage the behavior of older pupils effectively, leading to inappropriate responses to poor behavior. This inconsistency negatively impacts pupil attitudes and wellbeing. Additionally, the relationships and sex education program is not consistently provided to all pupils in the senior school, which limits their understanding of important life skills.

Despite these challenges, the school does offer a range of extracurricular activities that allow pupils to develop new skills and interests. Pupils, including boarders, have opportunities to engage in physical activities and participate in various clubs and events. The school premises are well-maintained, and health and safety practices are implemented effectively. Respect for diversity and different faiths is promoted through the curriculum and various school activities, fostering a considerate and sensitive school community.

The inspection report also noted that while pupils generally behave well, there are instances where behavioral incidents are not managed according to the established behavior policy. Some staff members display a lack of respect towards pupils, which can undermine the overall school environment. However, incidents of bullying are managed effectively, indicating that the school has some mechanisms in place to address serious behavioral issues.

In the early years setting, staff provide a wide range of suitable activities that promote children's physical skills and emotional management. Children develop independence and make good progress during their time in the setting. The school has also established effective transition arrangements for pupils who join at non-standard points, such as children of US service personnel, ensuring they settle in quickly and make good progress.

The report emphasizes the need for the proprietor to ensure that those in leadership and management roles demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This includes promoting the wellbeing of pupils, managing risks, and ensuring that all staff receive adequate training to support their roles. The behavior policy must be implemented consistently, and all secondary school pupils should receive suitable relationships and sex education.

In conclusion, while Brookes UK School has several strengths, including a commitment to diversity and a supportive environment for younger pupils, significant areas for improvement have been identified. The leadership and management must address the shortcomings in safeguarding, behavior management, and the quality of education to ensure that all pupils receive the support and education they need to thrive. The inspection report serves as a critical tool for the school to reflect on its practices and make the necessary changes to meet the Independent School Standards consistently.