Parkside School

Parkside School is an independent day preparatory school located in Stoke d'Abernon, Cobham, Surrey. Founded in 1879, the school has a rich history and has been situated on its current 45-acre site since 1979. The school caters to boys aged 2 to 13, with a co-educational nursery for younger children. The facilities include a historic manor house, sports hall, swimming pool, performance hall, and science building. The school operates as a charitable trust, overseen by a board of governors, and is currently led by Mr. Mark Beach, who has been in his position since September 2014.

The school’s mission is to develop the whole child through care, guidance, and support from staff, fostering a close partnership between the school, pupils, and their families. Parkside School emphasizes the importance of respect, tolerance, and compassion while encouraging self-reliance, confidence, and independence. The school aims to prepare pupils for future educational endeavors and life beyond school by nurturing well-rounded individuals who appreciate their talents and are eager to realize their potential.

At the time of the inspection, Parkside School had 305 pupils enrolled, with a diverse demographic primarily consisting of professional white British families, alongside a few international backgrounds. The school has identified 25 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), all of whom receive specialized support. Additionally, 22 pupils speak English as an additional language (EAL). The overall ability profile of the pupils is above the national average, although there is a wide range of abilities represented.

The school follows the National Curriculum nomenclature for year groups, ensuring clarity in educational standards and expectations. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a significant focus, with children achieving well and making excellent progress. By the end of Reception, nearly all children reach or exceed the expected developmental levels for their age. The school has successfully implemented recommendations from previous inspections to enhance the educational program for personal, social, and emotional development.

Pupils at Parkside School demonstrate a strong love of learning, contributing to their rapid progress and high attainment across all areas. The curriculum is well-rounded and supported by a wide range of extracurricular activities, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future schools. The school has met previous inspection recommendations regarding the assessment of learning and tracking of progress, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, make excellent progress.

The personal development of pupils is also a key focus at Parkside School. Pupils exhibit a strong sense of right and wrong, demonstrating respect and consideration for one another. The school promotes excellent behavior through its ‘Pussdog Code,’ which outlines the values and behaviors expected of pupils. Pastoral care is highly effective, with staff fostering positive relationships and ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school has successfully addressed previous inspection recommendations regarding the monitoring of bullying incidents, although there is room for improvement in the organization of records related to behavioral incidents.

Governance at Parkside School is excellent, with governors maintaining a thorough understanding of the school's operations and effectively monitoring all aspects of provision. Leadership and management are also strong, with leaders ensuring that all actions and recommendations from previous inspections have been fully met. The recently introduced appraisal system has improved the monitoring of staff performance and training needs.

The quality of teaching at Parkside School is consistently high, with staff demonstrating extensive subject knowledge and effective teaching strategies. Lessons are well-planned, taking into account pupils' prior learning and individual needs. Teachers provide appropriate challenges for all pupils, ensuring that they remain engaged and motivated. The school has successfully implemented a marking policy that provides clear and constructive feedback to pupils, helping them understand their progress and areas for improvement.

The curriculum at Parkside School is broad and balanced, covering a wide range of academic, creative, and physical subjects. The school places a strong emphasis on personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHEE), teaching pupils about e-safety, British values, and healthy living. The provision of extracurricular activities is excellent, with numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in sports, arts, and community service. The school maintains strong links with the local community, participating in various charitable activities and events.

Overall, Parkside School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals is evident in its approach to education, pastoral care, and community involvement. The inspection report highlights the school’s strengths in academic achievement, personal development, and effective governance, while also providing recommendations for further improvement in record-keeping and opportunities for independent learning in the EYFS. The school’s dedication to continuous improvement ensures that it remains a leading institution in the independent education sector.