Glenesk School

Glenesk School, located in East Horsley, Surrey, is an independent co-educational day school that has been operational since 1927. Owned and governed by Cognita Schools Limited since 2005, the school caters to children aged 2 to 7 years, encompassing Nursery, Rising Reception, Reception, and Years One and Two. With a current enrollment of 146 pupils, including 114 in the early years, the school is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring educational environment that empowers every child to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. The school aims to cultivate compassionate individuals who positively impact the world around them.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from May 21 to May 23, 2024, highlighted several strengths of Glenesk School. The leadership and management of the school were found to be effective, with proprietors and leaders maintaining a strategic overview that promotes the school’s positive values consistently. The proprietary body holds leaders accountable, ensuring that school policies are implemented efficiently and that records are audited for consistency. The curriculum is well-planned, resourced, and taught in engaging ways, resulting in good progress for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Behaviour management within the school is effective, with leaders and staff utilizing rewards and sanctions to promote positive behaviour. The school maintains appropriate records regarding behaviour, although the evaluation of behavioural records and trends could be further developed. Health and safety arrangements are appropriate, and the school premises are well-maintained, contributing to a safe learning environment.

The social and economic education provided at Glenesk School effectively supports pupils in developing a sense of responsibility and positive contributions to society. The curriculum fosters an understanding of respect, equality, and diversity, preparing pupils well for their next educational stages. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust, with leaders promptly consulting local agencies when necessary.

The inspection confirmed that Glenesk School meets all relevant standards related to leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils’ physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The report recommended that leaders strengthen the evaluation of behavioural records and trends to enhance the school’s approach to behaviour management.

The school’s request for a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils from 120 to 160 was also considered during the inspection. The safeguarding team demonstrated the capacity to cater for the proposed increase, and the school’s health and safety arrangements were deemed suitable. The premises and accommodation were found to be appropriate for the increased pupil numbers, supported by recent renovations. The inspectors recommended that the requested material change be approved.

In terms of leadership and management, the school leaders possess the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure compliance with the standards. They actively promote the well-being of pupils by tailoring provisions to meet individual needs. The proprietors maintain suitable oversight through regular site visits and meetings, monitoring essential training and policy implementation. The school’s aims and ethos are effectively communicated to parents and pupils, fostering a positive culture where pupils feel valued and understood.

The curriculum at Glenesk School is based on the national curriculum, supplemented to extend coverage of core subjects and prepare pupils for entry assessments at the end of Year 2. Teachers utilize their knowledge of pupils’ needs to deliver engaging lessons, adapting topics to include pupils’ interests. This approach facilitates good progress for all groups of pupils. In the early years, children engage in activities that support their development across all areas of learning, with a focus on fine and gross motor skills, early reading, writing, and numeracy.

The school’s provision for pupils with SEND is well-structured, with individual education plans developed to meet specific needs. Progress is closely monitored, and adjustments to support are made as necessary. The assessment of pupils’ progress is effective, starting in the early years, where children are observed and evaluated against early learning goals. Regular meetings among staff ensure that evaluations are shared and appropriate support is provided.

Glenesk School offers a diverse range of recreational and extracurricular activities that contribute to pupils’ personal growth. The extensive extracurricular program includes clubs for dance, taekwondo, swimming, yoga, science, gardening, art, cookery, and forest school, fostering positive social and physical development.

The school promotes pupils’ physical and mental health through effective relationships and a well-structured physical education program. Specialist staff encourage physical activity and teach the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The PSHE and relationships education program is flexible and age-appropriate, covering essential life skills and health education.

Leaders emphasize the importance of British values, mutual respect, and diversity within the curriculum. Pupils learn about prejudice and discrimination, the significance of respectful language, and the importance of equal rights. The school organizes visits to local places of worship and engages with community services to enhance pupils’ understanding of their local community and the roles of public services.

Pupils are provided with leadership opportunities suitable for their age, fostering a sense of responsibility. They engage in community service and support local charities, learning about the value of money and economic education from an early age. The school prepares pupils for transitions to their next educational settings through one-to-one support meetings for parents and additional assistance for those taking entrance examinations.

The safeguarding arrangements at Glenesk School are effective, with a well-structured induction program for staff and regular training on safeguarding policies. The safeguarding team responds promptly to concerns, maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality. Staff are trained to recognize and address safeguarding issues, and pupils are informed about whom to approach if they have concerns.

Overall, Glenesk School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets the needs of its pupils. The inspection findings affirm the school’s effectiveness in leadership, curriculum delivery, pupil well-being, and safeguarding, positioning it as a nurturing environment for young learners. The school’s proactive approach to continuous improvement and responsiveness to feedback further enhances its educational offerings, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors.