Crackley Hall School
St Joseph's Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2FT
Pupils
317
Ages
2 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Robert Duigan
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,122 to £3,991
ISC Associations
ISA, ISBA, IAPS
Religion
Roman Catholic
Bursaries
Available
About Crackley Hall School
Crackley Hall School, located on the outskirts of Kenilworth, offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for children aged two to eleven. The school, which has a Roman Catholic affiliation, is part of a foundation with Princethorpe College. It provides a seamless educational journey from its onsite nursery, Little Crackers, through to the end of primary education.
The school prides itself on being selective, aiming to be the right fit for each child and helping them achieve their best. Older children undergo assessments in basic Maths and English, and parents have informal chats with the headmaster to ensure the school aligns with their child’s needs.
Approximately two-thirds of pupils progress to Princethorpe College, while others move on to schools such as Warwick, Kings High, Kingsley, Bablake, King Henry’s, Solihull, and Arnold Lodge. Some also attend local grammar and state schools. Around a third of the children are awarded scholarships, with recent recipients heading to Princethorpe, Warwick Foundation, and Kingsley.
The school is housed in a mix of Victorian and modern buildings. While the original structure shows some wear, it is complemented by newer wings that include classrooms, a science lab, an art room, and a well-stocked IT suite. The spacious assembly hall and music rooms further enhance the learning environment. The classrooms and corridors are vibrant with project work and pictures, reflecting the enthusiasm of both teachers and pupils.
The curriculum is broad and creative, with a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary learning. Pupils benefit from high-quality teaching staff who are passionate about their subjects. Mandarin is taught alongside French, recognising the importance of future-proofing skills in a global economy. Setting in English and Maths begins from Year 3, although the approach is subtle enough that children are unaware of it.
Teachers manage work levels effectively, catering for different abilities within the same classroom. Children who need more challenging work are given extension tasks and can join a regional gifted and talented programme. Those requiring additional support have access to group or individual sessions to help with social skills, spelling, handwriting, or motor skills. The learning support room, affectionately known as the ‘rabbit hole,’ is a charming space decorated with Peter Rabbit murals. The department is staffed by two full-time members and a part-time speech and language therapist, experienced in assisting with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and CAPD disorder.
Despite space constraints, the school boasts a half-acre Forest School area, which is a haven for outdoor learning and play. Children engage in activities that develop their motor skills and ability to manage risk, such as building dens, using rope swings, and playing in a mud kitchen.
Sport is a significant part of school life, with core activities including rounders, netball, football, cricket, rugby, hockey, athletics, and swimming. The school fields competitive teams and participates in regional and national tournaments, often achieving impressive results. The new AstroTurf has enhanced facilities for netball, five-a-side football, and hockey drills. However, the extensive pitches across the road lack changing or viewing facilities, which some parents find inconvenient.
The music department is vibrant, with all pupils learning the recorder and many taking individual lessons in various instruments. The school orchestra, which includes pupils from Year 3, is a testament to the children’s dedication. Drama is equally important, with every child from Year 1 to 6 participating in LAMDA exams. The annual school production, performed at Leamington’s Spa Centre, is a highlight, involving the entire school community.
School trips are varied and enriching, ranging from visits to WW1 battlefields and outward-bound residentials to local excursions. The school’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic was well-received, with parents praising the adaptability and engagement of the staff.
Faith plays a central role in the school’s ethos, providing a framework for collective worship and community service. Pupils are encouraged to celebrate diversity and embrace other cultures, contributing to the school’s inclusive family feel.
While there are occasional instances of teasing and mild bullying, the school has effective measures in place to address these issues. Leadership opportunities are abundant, with roles such as head girl and boy, deputies, and team captains available to Year 6 pupils.
The dining experience is well-organised, with friendly kitchen staff serving appealing dishes. The school community is mainly local, with a mix of professional backgrounds. Parents appreciate the school’s supportive environment, where children are free to be themselves and are encouraged to take risks without fear of failure.
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ISI Review
Crackley Hall School, an independent co-educational day school located in Kenilworth, is part of the Princethorpe Foundation, which operates as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. The school caters to children aged 2 to 11 and has a current enrollment of 316 pupils, including 86 in the Early Years Foundation Stage and 230 in the junior section. The school aims to provide a caring Christian environment that fosters the development of articulate, well-educated young individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society.
The inspection conducted in June 2022 took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the restrictions imposed by government guidance. The school’s assessment data indicates that the ability profile of its pupils is slightly above average compared to national standards. The demographic of the student body is diverse, with pupils coming from various professional, business, farming, and cultural backgrounds, primarily residing within a 15-mile radius of the school. The school has identified 57 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including 19 who receive additional specialist support. Furthermore, the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils and those with special talents in areas such as sports, music, and the performing arts.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate, which is authorized to inspect schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council, conducted a compliance-only inspection. This type of inspection focuses solely on whether the school meets the Independent School Standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection confirmed that Crackley Hall School meets all the required standards, and no further action is necessary as a result of this inspection.
The quality of education provided at Crackley Hall School is commendable. The school has a well-documented curriculum supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. The teaching is effective, with a strong emphasis on behavior management and the use of suitable resources. The school also provides relationships education, having consulted with parents and published a written policy in line with statutory guidance.
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 arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils are robust, adhering to current statutory guidance. The school promotes good behavior and has effective measures to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The school has invested in new classrooms and facilities to accommodate the needs of its pupils.
Information is effectively communicated to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, covering various aspects such as the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and academic performance. The school has a clear complaints procedure that is handled effectively through a three-stage process, ensuring that records are kept appropriately.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the standards are consistently met and actively promotes the well-being of pupils. The school has requested approval to increase its capacity to 300 pupils to accommodate an additional class in Key Stage 1. In anticipation of this growth, the school has already made investments in staffing, building modifications, and logistical arrangements.
The inspection found that the school’s safeguarding policy and practices are suitable and will continue to be effective with the proposed increase in pupil numbers. Health and safety management arrangements are robust, ensuring the safety of all pupils. The school has appointed additional staff and implemented a staggered lunchtime to accommodate the larger pupil population while maintaining adequate supervision.
The school’s approach to risk assessment is thorough and appropriate for the current and proposed pupil numbers. The premises are well-maintained and provide suitable accommodation for the needs of the proposed pupil numbers. The school leaders have ensured that all standards are met and have implemented appropriate arrangements for the anticipated increase in pupil numbers.
In summary, the inspection concluded that Crackley Hall School meets all the required standards and is well-prepared for the proposed increase in pupil capacity. The recommendation is to approve the school’s request to increase its numbers to 300, as the arrangements in place are deemed suitable for the continued welfare and education of its pupils. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment is evident, and it is well-positioned to accommodate future growth while maintaining its standards.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024