Hall Grove School
London Road, Bagshot, GU19 5HZ
Pupils
415
Ages
3 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Neil Tomlin
Boarding / Day
Day and Weekly/Flexible Boarding
Fees
£2,150 to £5,500
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Hall Grove School
Hall Grove School, located on the Surrey/Berkshire border, offers a unique educational experience that combines traditional values with a modern approach. The school is set in a picturesque environment, featuring a farm with grazing sheep, an apple orchard, and beehives, all of which contribute to the school’s distinctive character. The grounds also include a lake, a walled garden, and extensive sports facilities, making it an ideal setting for a well-rounded education.
The Barn, catering for early years, provides a nurturing environment where children’s development is discussed with parents before admission. The main intake at 3+ is non-selective, with a sibling policy in place. As children progress from pre-school to reception, they are joined by new entrants at 4+. By year 3, the school expands to three forms, allowing for an additional 20 children who are assessed in Maths and English. The transition to the upper school in year 7 accommodates any leavers, primarily girls moving to schools with an 11+ intake. Prospective pupils spend a day at the school for assessment to ensure they fit well with their peers.
The school prides itself on its exit strategy, with most pupils moving on to aspirational co-ed and single-sex schools after year 8. Dialogue with parents begins in years 5 and 6, and the school has a strong record of matching children to senior schools. The current head is well-versed in senior schools, having visited many across the country. Recent leavers have gone on to prestigious schools such as St George’s Weybridge, Wellington College, and Harrow, with numerous academic and co-curricular scholarships awarded each year.
The school is described as inclusive and genuine, holding old-fashioned values without being stuffy. Classrooms are a charming mix of styles, with pre-preps starting in a purpose-built barn. The school offers a range of subjects, with impressive displays of work and learning techniques adorning the walls. Senior pupils benefit from subject-specific Scandinavian wood cabin classrooms, including a cooking cabin for the annual school bake-off. Science labs feature specially designed surfaces for drawing diagrams, and the art room is filled with creative displays. IT facilities are robust, with Chromebooks provided to pupils in year 7.
Outdoor learning is a significant part of the school’s culture, with children enjoying gardening classes and lessons in the outdoor classroom. The school offers a variety of sports, with a focus on inclusivity and participation. Football is now on the agenda for girls, and netball is available for boys. The school has moved away from external football coaches, preferring to rely on in-house expertise. Rowing, sailing, and judo are popular, and the school hosts visits from sports champions to inspire pupils.
Performing arts are highly valued, with multiple choirs, ensembles, and informal concerts held weekly. Over 160 children learn an instrument, and the school offers music scholarships annually. Drama productions range from Shakespeare to musicals, with outdoor performances in the summer. Pupils also engage in writing and performing their own pieces, such as Windrush-inspired speeches for Black History Month.
The school has enhanced its SEN provision, with parents praising the support provided. The Head of Learning Support is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils. Boarding facilities have been refurbished, offering themed rooms and modern amenities. Pupils can board from year 4, with options for weekly and flexible boarding.
Hall Grove School is a co-educational day and boarding school that caters to children aged three to 13. It follows a non-denominational ethos and offers a range of extra-curricular activities. The school is described as humble yet assured, providing an idyllic setting for children to reach their full potential. It appeals to traditional families who value a genuine and inclusive environment.
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ISI Review
Hall Grove School is a co-educational boarding and day school located in Surrey, between the villages of Bagshot and Windlesham. Established in 1957, the school is privately owned and offers weekly and occasional boarding for pupils from the age of eight. The leadership team has undergone restructuring since the last inspection, with a new headmaster appointed in September 2021. The school has made significant improvements, including the development of a walled garden and outdoor classroom, as well as a dedicated building for performing arts.
The school aims to provide a broad and balanced education of the highest quality, fostering a strong sense of community among pupils, parents, and staff. It encourages a positive attitude among pupils, motivating them to engage with the numerous opportunities available. The student body primarily consists of children from professional and business families in the local area, with an above-average ability profile compared to national standards. The school supports 64 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing tailored assistance to ensure all students can thrive.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection, which revealed that Hall Grove School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the quality of education provided.
The quality of education at Hall Grove School is commendable, with teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and consulting parents on its policies.
Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages boarders to express their views and supports them in building positive relationships with peers and staff. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective measures in place to safeguard students and promote good behavior. The school maintains appropriate supervision and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, ensuring a safe environment for all.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, with a register maintained as required. The school effectively manages visitors to boarding accommodation and ensures that guardianship arrangements are appropriate. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The school provides a wealth of information to parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies on admissions, behavior, and health and safety. The complaints procedure is clearly outlined, and records of complaints are maintained appropriately. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who excel in mathematics and demonstrate outstanding oracy skills from an early age. Pupils are articulate and confident in their use of language, including foreign languages. They effectively utilize information and communication technology across the curriculum, showcasing their digital skills.
Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with high self-esteem and confidence evident throughout the school. They exhibit mature levels of self-discipline and a strong understanding of right and wrong. The school encourages a culture of kindness and respect, with pupils actively participating in school life and contributing to the well-being of their peers.
Recommendations for improvement include building on the strong foundations in the prep department to enhance writing skills in the senior years and fostering a stronger culture of pupil voice to effect positive change within the school. The school is advised to continue developing its already robust educational practices to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.
Overall, Hall Grove School successfully achieves its aim of providing a broad and balanced education of the highest quality. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, preparing them for future success. The commitment to high standards, combined with a supportive community, ensures that pupils leave Hall Grove School well-equipped for their next steps in education and life.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024