Manor House School

Manor House School is a selective independent day school for girls aged 2 to 16, founded in 1920 and located on a 17-acre site on the outskirts of Leatherhead, Surrey. The school has a strong affiliation with the Church of England and operates as a registered charity governed by a board. It comprises three main sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Prep School for Years 1 to 6, and the Senior School for Years 7 to 11. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher has been appointed, and the leadership team has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of boys into the EYFS.

The school aims to provide a nurturing educational environment that fosters a love of learning, confidence, creativity, and resourcefulness among its pupils. It seeks to create a positive atmosphere that promotes happiness and health, while also offering unforgettable experiences that help shape character and encourage individual challenges. The student body primarily consists of pupils from white British families, with a range of professional and business backgrounds, living within a 15-mile radius of the school. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and it provides support for those with English as an additional language (EAL).

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Manor House School meets the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school effectively safeguards and promotes the welfare of its pupils, maintains good behavior, prevents bullying, and meets health and safety requirements. The school has a disability access plan in place and ensures that staff suitability checks are conducted appropriately.

In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, which has shown performance above the national average for maintained schools in recent years. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching is effective, and behavior management is well-implemented. The school promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, encouraging them to become responsible and tolerant citizens.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school maintains proper supervision, keeps accurate attendance records, and conducts risk assessments. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education.

The school provides a range of information to parents, including details about the curriculum, admission procedures, behavior policies, and the complaints process. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that pupils achieve well academically and in extracurricular activities. They develop positive attitudes towards learning, with strong speaking skills and good non-academic achievements. The school supports pupils in developing their interests and talents, with a focus on enhancing their progress through consistent assessment and tracking. However, there is a recommendation to ensure that higher-order thinking skills are developed further, particularly for more able pupils.

Pupils display high levels of confidence and self-awareness, demonstrating excellent decision-making skills. They work well together, showing care for one another and understanding how to keep themselves safe and healthy. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils actively participating in various responsibilities and leadership roles. They engage in charitable activities, raising funds for local causes and demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility.

The school promotes a strong moral consciousness, with pupils exhibiting courtesy and kindness towards one another. They manage their behavior well and respond positively to the high expectations set by staff. The school has established a rewards system that encourages good behavior and builds self-esteem.

Pupils are socially aware and work exceptionally well with others, demonstrating strong collaborative skills. They engage in discussions and activities that promote teamwork and cooperation. The school provides opportunities for pupils to develop their entrepreneurial skills and understand the importance of contributing to the local community.

Overall, Manor House School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering their academic and personal development. The school is committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The inspection findings reflect the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and promoting the well-being of its students.