St George's Junior School Weybridge
Thames Street, Weybridge, KT13 8NL
Pupils
627
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Antony Hudson
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,130 to £5,510
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Roman Catholic
Bursaries
Available
About St George's Junior School Weybridge
St George’s Junior School Weybridge is a co-educational primary school that offers a robust educational experience for children aged three to eleven. With a Roman Catholic affiliation, the school welcomes students from all faiths, although an understanding of the Catholic belief system is beneficial. The school is selective throughout, assessing behaviour and social skills for nursery places and incorporating academic tests from reception onwards.
The school has a reputation for academic excellence, with a significant percentage of pupils passing the 11+ exams. This success is attributed to the extensive preparation provided by the school. However, the school has moved away from offering unconditional senior school places as early as year 2, opting instead for a more comprehensive assessment at 11+.
The school site has been transformed with the addition of the Ark building for the lower years, which has brought a modern and chic aesthetic to the campus. Classrooms are designed to maximise natural light, with large windows and bright, airy spaces that double as break-out areas. The nursery is housed in a side-wing with indoor and outdoor learning spaces, while years 3 to 6 occupy the main four-storey building, which includes a well-stocked library and a lively librarian who organises a literature festival.
The performing arts centre is a hub of creativity, featuring a main hall for annual plays and a music centre where every child in years 3 or 4 has the opportunity to learn an instrument. The music department is highly regarded, with a variety of choirs and an orchestra that are popular among students. Art studios, complete with a kiln, provide ample space for creative expression.
The school’s expansive 50-acre site includes an eco-garden, forest school areas, and numerous play areas. The sports department is inclusive, ensuring every child participates in at least one match, regardless of ability. The school boasts excellent facilities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, courts, pitches, and all-weather surfaces for hockey and tennis. Plans for a new sports hall are underway, promising even more opportunities for physical activity.
Extra-curricular activities are a vital part of school life, with every pupil expected to join at least one club from year 1. The range of clubs is diverse, including French, cake decorating, book club, Mandarin, and chess. However, the school is clear that these clubs are not intended as childcare solutions, a point of contention for some parents seeking wraparound care.
The pastoral system is well-developed, fostering a strong sense of belonging among pupils. Behavioural expectations are clear, with caution slips used to address issues such as unkindness or dishonesty. Pupils are generally polite and eager to share their experiences, reflecting the school’s emphasis on personal development.
The school offers assisted places from year 3, potentially covering up to 100% of fees, although no scholarships are available. The teaching staff, predominantly female until management level, are dedicated and well-regarded by pupils. Traditional teaching methods are complemented by hands-on involvement, particularly in science and art.
The school’s religious dimension is evident, with a weekly mass held in the chapel. However, there is an emphasis on tolerance and respect for all faiths, with pupils encouraged to show understanding towards different beliefs.
In summary, St George’s Junior School Weybridge provides a comprehensive and nurturing environment for its pupils, balancing academic rigour with a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. The school’s commitment to developing each child’s strengths is evident, ensuring that every pupil leaves with a sense of achievement and self-awareness.
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ISI Review
St George’s Junior School, located in Weybridge, Surrey, is an independent co-educational day school catering for pupils aged 3 to 11. It operates as the junior division of St George’s College, which was established in 1869 by the Josephite order of Catholic priests. The junior school became independent in 1950 and moved to its current site in 2000. The school shares a governing body with the senior school, and since the last inspection, a new chair of governors has been appointed.
The school aims to provide personalized attention and a well-rounded curriculum, complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities. It seeks to inspire pupils to become the best versions of themselves and to cultivate a joy for learning that will motivate them throughout their educational journey. The student body primarily consists of British families from the local area, with the school reporting that pupils' abilities are above average compared to national standards. A significant number of pupils require support for special educational needs and disabilities, while others are identified as most able or talented in sports and the performing arts.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that St George’s Junior School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school provides a high-quality education, promotes good behavior, and maintains a safe environment for pupils. The school has effective measures in place to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, including health and safety protocols and first aid provisions.
The quality of education provided at St George’s Junior School is characterized by a well-documented curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects. The teaching methods employed enable pupils to make good progress, and the school has established a suitable framework for assessing pupils' performance. The inspectors noted that the standards related to the quality of education were met, highlighting the effective behavior management and appropriate resources available to support learning.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The school fosters an environment where pupils can develop a strong sense of community and appreciation for diversity. The inspectors found that the standards in this area were also met.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at St George’s Junior School. The school has implemented arrangements to safeguard pupils and promote their well-being, ensuring that health and safety requirements are met. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate attendance records. The inspectors confirmed that the standards related to welfare, health, and safety were met.
Regarding the suitability of staff, the school conducts appropriate checks to ensure that all staff members, including supply staff and proprietors, are suitable to work with children. A register is maintained as required, and the inspectors found that the standards in this area were met.
The premises and accommodation at St George’s Junior School are well-maintained and provide suitable facilities for pupils. The school has adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate accommodation for medical and therapy needs. The inspectors confirmed that the standards related to premises and accommodation were met.
The school provides a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. The inspectors found that the standard for the provision of information was met.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured process that includes informal, formal, and panel stages. The school keeps appropriate records of complaints and actions taken. The inspectors confirmed that the standard for handling complaints was met.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the other standards are consistently met. The inspectors found that the standard related to leadership and management was met.
In the educational quality inspection, the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements was deemed excellent. Pupils make significant progress during their time at the school, achieving high levels of attainment in examinations and gaining entry to their chosen secondary schools. The school fosters robust collaborative skills and perseverance among pupils, enabling them to excel in both academic and extracurricular activities.
Pupils exhibit excellent personal development, characterized by strong relationships with peers and adults, a sense of community, and a profound appreciation for the non-material aspects of school life. The school's ethos of kindness and the emphasis on learning to live and love like Jesus contribute to the development of self-confidence, self-discipline, and moral understanding among pupils.
The inspectors recommended that the school monitor the consistency of opportunities for pupils to demonstrate leadership and independence in their learning, particularly through the use of technology. The quality of pupils' academic achievements is supported by a well-established assessment and tracking program, which enables them to make informed decisions to improve their attainment.
Pupils with special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language make good progress, benefiting from tailored support. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' learning experiences and contribute to their overall development.
Overall, St George’s Junior School is characterized by a strong commitment to high standards in all aspects of school life. The leadership's dedication to fostering a supportive and aspirational environment is evident in the positive experiences and achievements of the pupils. The school successfully prepares its students for the next stages of their education while promoting their personal growth and development.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024