Charterhouse

Charterhouse is an independent co-educational boarding and day school located in Godalming, Surrey, catering for pupils aged 13 to 18 years. Founded in 1611 near Smithfield in London, the school relocated to its current site in 1872. It operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee, with the governing body serving as trustees. The current headmaster, Dr. Alex Peterken, has been in position since January 2018. The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection, including the reorganization of boarding accommodations to create three separate sixth-form girls' houses, the opening of a central dining hall, and the completion of a new science and mathematics building. The senior leadership team has also expanded to include a senior housemistress.

Charterhouse aims to provide an academically focused, all-round education that stimulates independent inquiry and intellectual curiosity. The school seeks to enrich spiritual awareness, promote physical fitness alongside a love of the arts, and foster individuality, duty, and commitment to friends and society. The pupil body is diverse, with students coming from various professional backgrounds, primarily British families. Boarders mainly hail from the southeast of England and 46 countries worldwide. The school reports that the ability range of its pupils is above average, with 185 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, and 50 pupils for whom English is an additional language.

The regulatory compliance inspection is conducted by the Department for Education, which oversees independent schools. The Independent Schools Inspectorate is responsible for inspecting schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council. The inspection assesses compliance with the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The recent inspection found that Charterhouse meets all required standards, with no further action needed.

In terms of educational quality, Charterhouse has consistently performed above the national average in GCSE results from 2016 to 2018, with IGCSE results exceeding worldwide norms. A-level results in the same period also surpassed the national average for sixth-formers in maintained schools. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching is effective, with suitable resources and a framework for assessing pupil performance in place.

The school actively promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its pupils, encouraging responsible citizenship and tolerance. Boarders' views are valued, and their opinions are considered by staff. The prefect system is managed appropriately, ensuring that pupils have a voice in the school community.

Regarding welfare, health, and safety, Charterhouse has established arrangements to safeguard and promote pupil welfare, adhering to statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety, and first aid provisions are available. Pupils are properly supervised, and attendance registers are maintained. The school has a strategic approach to risk assessment and a disability access plan in place.

The induction process for new boarders is appropriate, with suitable provisions for their medical and health care, food and drink, and laundry management. Boarders have opportunities for contact with family and friends and access to a range of activities. Boarding staff are well-trained and effectively deployed.

The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised, and guardianship arrangements are managed effectively.

Charterhouse provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for medical and therapy needs. The premises are maintained to a high standard, with appropriate acoustics, lighting, and water provision. Outdoor spaces are available for physical education and play, and boarding accommodations meet the needs of all boarders while promoting their welfare.

The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the proprietor, school ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a three-stage process, ensuring clear timelines and appropriate record-keeping. The leadership and management of Charterhouse demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and appropriate policies and records are maintained and monitored.

The inspection evidence included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and examination of pupils' work samples. Inspectors held discussions with staff and the chair of governors, observed extracurricular activities, and attended chapel services. They also visited boarding houses and learning support areas, analyzed responses from pre-inspection questionnaires, and reviewed curriculum documentation provided by the school.

Overall, Charterhouse has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils. The school meets all regulatory standards and continues to evolve to meet the needs of its diverse student body. The focus on academic excellence, personal development, and well-being reflects the school's dedication to fostering a holistic educational experience.