T A S I S

The American International School in England, known as TASIS, is a co-educational day and boarding institution located in Thorpe, England. Founded in 1976, it operates under the auspices of the TASIS Foundation, which manages several schools across different countries, including Switzerland, Portugal, and Puerto Rico. The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 and is divided into three sections: the lower school for early years to Year 5, the middle school for Years 6 to 9, and the upper school for Years 10 to 13. Boarding facilities are available for students from the age of 13, with accommodations provided in nine boarding houses on the school premises.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate took place from September 26 to 28, 2023. The inspection team comprised eight inspectors who evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, leadership and management, and the wellbeing of pupils. The inspection involved classroom observations, discussions with students and staff, and visits to boarding facilities, among other activities.

The school has a total enrollment of 641 pupils, with 233 of them being boarders. It has identified 63 students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, while 122 pupils are classified as English as an additional language learners. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages students to become principled, open-minded, and compassionate members of a global community.

The inspection findings indicate that the governing body, along with school leaders and managers, ensures that pupils receive a broad and personalized education. The curriculum is designed to provide a range of academic pathways, particularly in the senior years, allowing students to engage actively in their learning. Leaders prioritize pupil wellbeing in their decision-making processes, and self-evaluation is integral to the school's strategic development. The governors maintain a generally well-informed oversight of the school's operations.

Teaching quality is deemed effective, enabling pupils, including those with special educational needs and English language learners, to make good progress. The school promotes an engaging learning environment where pupils are motivated and encouraged to participate actively in lessons. Teachers provide clear and constructive feedback, fostering a supportive atmosphere that helps students reach their potential. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities that complement classroom learning and encourage the development of new skills and interests.

In terms of health and wellbeing, the school has implemented well-considered programs and facilities to support pupils' physical and mental health. The relationships and sex education program is generally informative but has been noted to lack depth for older pupils, who would benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of relationship dynamics and wellbeing factors. The school celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect and tolerance, allowing pupils to share their cultures and experiences, which enhances the sense of community.

Boarding provisions are well-received by students, who appreciate the comfortable living arrangements and the support provided by dedicated staff. However, the inspection revealed that the school did not fully comply with national requirements for boarding supervision, specifically regarding overnight staff presence in one of the boarding houses. This issue was addressed during the inspection.

Pupils are educated about safeguarding matters and feel confident in reporting concerns, knowing they will be taken seriously. The school has established effective safeguarding measures, with well-trained staff ensuring a safe environment for all students.

The inspection report highlights several areas for improvement. While the school meets many of the standards related to the quality of education and pupil wellbeing, it has not consistently met the standards for leadership and management, particularly concerning boarding provisions. The governing body must ensure that those in leadership roles demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the independent school standards consistently and promote pupil wellbeing effectively.

The report recommends enhancing career education opportunities for younger pupils to help them make informed choices about their future pathways. Additionally, it suggests strengthening the relationships and sex education curriculum to better address the needs of older students.

Overall, TASIS provides a supportive and enriching educational environment that fosters academic success and personal growth. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is encouraged to address the identified areas for action to enhance its provision further. The inspection findings reflect a positive outlook for the school, with a strong foundation in place for nurturing the next generation of global citizens.