Woldingham School

Woldingham School is a Roman Catholic independent boarding and day school for female pupils, established in 1842. The school relocated to its current 700-acre site in Surrey in 1946 and is part of the international network of Sacred Heart Schools. It operates as a charitable trust governed by a lay board of governors. Since the last inspection, there have been significant changes in leadership, including the appointment of a new chair of governors in July 2018 and a new headteacher in September 2020. The school has also completed various projects, such as the opening of an outdoor education center.

The school aims to create a happy and successful environment where pupils can develop confidence, compassion, and courage. It encourages students to achieve academic success and become independent, inquisitive young women who are empowered to contribute positively to society. The student body primarily consists of pupils from professional and business families, with approximately a quarter coming from overseas. The ability profile of pupils in the senior school is above average, while that of the sixth form aligns with national averages. The school has identified 127 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, none of whom have an education, health, and care plan. All pupils with special educational needs receive additional support, mainly for dyslexia. Additionally, 66 pupils have English as an additional language, with 50 receiving extra support through individual or small group sessions.

The inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate aimed to assess the school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. The inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards and must take immediate action to address deficiencies. The quality of education provided is generally good, with GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022 indicating that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, allowing for effective behavior management and assessment of pupil performance. Boarders have access to a suitable program of activities, and relationships and sex education is provided in accordance with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are considered by staff. The school has suitable arrangements in place to promote good behavior, prevent bullying, and ensure health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety and first aid provisions. However, the inspection identified issues with recruitment and safeguarding checks, as not all required checks were conducted promptly. Specifically, checks on prohibition from teaching were not completed for all staff before they began work, and risks associated with safeguarding were not fully identified or mitigated.

The school has made appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. However, checks and written agreements for members of staff households aged 16 and over who live on the same premises as boarders have not always been completed. The premises and accommodation meet the required standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate boarding accommodation.

The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the proprietor, school ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and health and safety. The complaints procedure is effectively managed through a three-stage process, ensuring that parental complaints are handled appropriately.

Despite meeting many standards, the leadership and management of the school have not consistently demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure that all standards are met. The proprietor must ensure that those in leadership positions fulfill their responsibilities effectively and promote the well-being of all pupils, including boarders. The inspection concluded with several action points for the school, including the need to ensure that all required recruitment and safeguarding checks are completed promptly, risks to pupils are identified and mitigated, and that leadership demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the standards consistently.

In summary, Woldingham School has a strong foundation in its educational offerings and a commitment to the personal development of its pupils. However, it faces challenges in compliance with regulatory standards, particularly in safeguarding and leadership effectiveness. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the school to maintain its reputation and ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The school is encouraged to take immediate action to rectify the identified deficiencies and continue its mission of empowering young women to make a positive impact in the world.