ACS Cobham International School

ACS Cobham International School, located in Surrey, is a co-educational day and boarding institution that opened in 1975. It is one of four ACS international schools, with three in England and one in Qatar. The school primarily serves students whose families have relocated to the UK for work, resulting in a transient student community with an average stay of three to four years. The educational program is predominantly American-based, catering for the backgrounds of many students. The school has opted out of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning and development requirements and is governed by the board of directors of ACS, a commercial enterprise.

The school aims to inspire all students to make a difference through learning, emphasizing community engagement, positive change, and excellence. Its core values include promoting scholarship, responsibility, and citizenship within a supportive international community. The school comprises four divisions: Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, and High School, serving a total of 1,461 students, including 85 boarders. The boarding facilities are housed in a building known as the Dormitory, with 61 full boarders and 24 weekly boarders.

Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements, including transforming the former cafetorium into a dedicated dining room and a separate theater complex, enhancing the gymnasium, and adding new security measures. The student body is diverse, with around a third from North America and the remainder from 72 different countries. Approximately half of the students speak English as an additional language, with many receiving specialist support. The school also caters to students with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored learning support.

The inspection report highlights the school's excellent achievements in various areas. The quality of students' achievements and learning is rated as excellent, with a high-quality curriculum that fosters cooperation, creativity, and independence. Students with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language achieve at levels comparable to their peers. The school has successfully implemented a Highly Able Learner program, allowing gifted students to excel, particularly in creative subjects and sports.

The personal development of students is also rated as excellent, with strong cultural awareness and emotional maturity. The school promotes a positive ethos, encouraging students to voice their opinions, although some inconsistencies in communication regarding responses to student feedback were noted. The pastoral care provided is exceptional, ensuring students feel safe and supported. The boarding experience contributes significantly to personal development, with the previous inspection's recommendations being met.

Governance and leadership at ACS Cobham are described as excellent, with strategic planning supporting successful capital projects. The board maintains oversight of legal responsibilities, and leadership has made good progress since the last inspection. Monitoring of teaching standards has improved, resulting in enhanced educational outcomes. The school has established strong links with parents, who express high satisfaction with the education provided.

The quality of academic and other achievements is rated as excellent, with students demonstrating high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding. The curriculum is broad and balanced, meeting the needs of all students and supporting their international experiences. The inquiry-based approach fosters lifelong learning skills, and the school has made significant strides in curricular provision since the last inspection.

Teaching quality is generally good, with a focus on developing independence and critical thinking skills. Teachers are well-qualified and engage students effectively, although there are instances where the challenge for highly able students could be improved. The use of assessment information is being refined to ensure all students receive adequate challenge. The school has implemented a one-to-one tablet program, enhancing learning opportunities and allowing students to apply their knowledge effectively.

In summary, ACS Cobham International School provides a high-quality education characterized by excellent academic achievements, strong personal development, and effective governance. The school has made significant improvements since the last inspection, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. The diverse student body benefits from a curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based learning and prepares them for future educational endeavors, both in the UK and internationally.