Hazelwood School
Wolfs Hill, Limpsfield, Oxted, RH8 0QU
Pupils
577
Ages
1 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mrs Lindie Louw
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,312 to £6,055
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
Hazelwood School, located in the picturesque town of Oxted, is a co-educational independent school that caters to boys and girls aged from one to 13. With a strong Church of England ethos, the school provides a nurturing environment that respects and welcomes pupils of all faiths. The school is known for its commitment to fostering a well-rounded education, balancing academic excellence with personal development.
The school offers a broad curriculum that includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside a rich array of creative and performing arts. Pupils have the opportunity to explore Music, Drama, and Art, which are integral parts of the school’s educational philosophy. The emphasis on creativity is evident in the school’s vibrant arts programme, which encourages students to express themselves and develop their talents.
In addition to the arts, the school places a strong emphasis on sports and physical education. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical wellbeing. The school’s facilities support a wide range of sporting activities, ensuring that students have access to quality resources to hone their skills.
The pastoral care at the school is commendable, with a dedicated team of staff ensuring that each pupil’s wellbeing is prioritised. The school fosters a supportive community where students feel valued and respected. This nurturing environment is complemented by a robust system of support for students with additional needs, overseen by the Head of Learning Support. This ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
The school also offers a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, providing pupils with opportunities to explore new interests and develop skills outside the classroom. These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and support the development of well-rounded individuals. From clubs and societies to trips and excursions, students are encouraged to broaden their horizons and engage with the world around them.
The school’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its teaching staff, who are dedicated to providing high-quality education. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and are committed to inspiring a love of learning in their pupils. The small class sizes allow for personalised attention, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.
The school community is vibrant and inclusive, with a strong sense of camaraderie among pupils, staff, and parents. The school encourages parental involvement, recognising the important role that families play in the educational journey. Regular communication between the school and parents ensures that families are kept informed and engaged in their child’s education.
The school’s location in Oxted provides a serene and conducive environment for learning, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The surrounding area offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration, which the school incorporates into its curriculum wherever possible.
In summary, Hazelwood School offers a comprehensive education that balances academic rigour with personal development. Its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, combined with a rich curriculum and diverse extra-curricular opportunities, makes it a compelling choice for families seeking a well-rounded education for their children. The school’s dedication to nurturing each pupil’s potential is evident in its approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
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Hazelwood School, located in Oxted, Surrey, is a co-educational day school that has been serving the community since its founding in 1890. Originally established as a preparatory school for boys, it began admitting female pupils in 1978. The school operates as a charitable trust overseen by a board of governors, with a commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its students. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is situated on a separate site approximately a mile from the main school, accommodating younger children in a dedicated setting.
The school aims to inspire all pupils to reach their full potential while fostering an understanding of their roles within both local and global communities. It emphasizes the development of independence, inner confidence, and mutual respect among its students. The pupil demographic is diverse, with families from various professional backgrounds, primarily residing within a 15-mile radius of the school. Standardized assessment data indicates that the pupils' ability profile is significantly above average compared to national benchmarks. The school supports a range of special educational needs, with 44 pupils identified as having such needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, 62 pupils are recognized as having English as an additional language, receiving tailored support from their teachers.
The recent regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Hazelwood School meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the requirements of the EYFS statutory framework. The inspection, which took place in June 2023, highlighted the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education and a safe environment for its pupils.
The quality of education at Hazelwood School is characterized by effective teaching practices that enable pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a broad range of subjects is covered. The school promotes good behavior and has implemented effective behavior management strategies. Relationships education is provided in the junior school, while relationships and sex education is offered in the senior school, in accordance with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Health and safety requirements are met, and the school maintains proper supervision of pupils, ensuring their well-being.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, confirming that appropriate checks are conducted to ensure their suitability to work with children. The premises and accommodation provided for pupils are adequate, with suitable facilities for personal care and medical needs. The school maintains a high standard of health and safety, ensuring that the environment is conducive to learning.
In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of materials for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and academic performance. The complaints procedure is clearly outlined, and parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured process.
Leadership and management at Hazelwood School are characterized by strong governance and effective oversight. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to maintain high standards across the school. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils and staff, fostering a positive school culture.
The quality and standards of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision were also evaluated, with the overall effectiveness rated as outstanding. The curriculum is well-planned and tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, with rigorous monitoring of their achievements. Practitioners provide excellent support, particularly for children with specific needs, ensuring that all children make significant progress in their learning and development.
Children in the EYFS display high levels of personal and emotional security, thanks to the strong relationships formed with their key persons. The environment is designed to promote exploration and engagement, allowing children to develop their skills and knowledge effectively. Practitioners are well-trained in safeguarding and welfare, ensuring that children feel safe and cared for.
The personal development of children is also outstanding, with excellent care practices that foster strong relationships and emotional well-being. Children are encouraged to manage their feelings and demonstrate positive behavior, contributing to a supportive learning environment. The setting promotes independence and encourages children to make choices, enhancing their confidence and self-esteem.
Leadership and management within the EYFS are characterized by a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards. Leaders work closely with practitioners to ensure that the care and education provided are of the highest quality. Performance management procedures support staff development, and practitioners have access to a range of training opportunities to enhance their skills.
In conclusion, Hazelwood School has demonstrated its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a safe, nurturing environment for its pupils. The recent inspection confirmed that the school meets all regulatory standards, with outstanding provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The school’s focus on personal development, effective teaching, and strong leadership ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The school is encouraged to continue transforming professional development knowledge into impactful learning opportunities for children, further enhancing their educational outcomes.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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