Cottesmore School

Cottesmore School is a co-educational day and boarding institution located in Pease Pottage, West Sussex, catering for pupils aged four to thirteen. Established in 1894 in Hove, the school relocated to its current site in 1946, where it occupies a Victorian mansion set within 30 acres of grounds. The school is privately owned, with governance overseen by the proprietor and an advisory body. The headmaster, Mr. Thomas Rogerson, has been in position since 2008. The school comprises an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and classes up to Year 3, collectively referred to as pre-prep, while Years 4 to 8 form the prep section. Boarding facilities are provided in dormitories within the main house.

Cottesmore School aims to deliver an all-round education that emphasizes academic excellence alongside a variety of extracurricular activities. The school fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, physical development, and spirituality, all within a nurturing family atmosphere where each child is valued and cared for. The pupil demographic includes day students primarily from local business and professional families, while boarders come from further afield, including overseas. The school has a broadly average ability profile, with 27 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), primarily dyslexia, and 31 pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL). The school provides tailored support for these students, as well as enrichment activities for more able pupils.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Cottesmore School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, 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 effectively safeguards and promotes the welfare of its pupils, maintains good behavior, and prevents bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate first aid provisions are in place.

The quality of education provided at Cottesmore School is characterized by a well-documented curriculum that supports good pupil progress. Teaching is effective, with suitable resources and behavior management strategies in place. The school employs its own framework for assessing pupil attainment, which differs from the national framework. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, and assessment practices are in place to monitor pupil performance. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, encouraging pupils to become responsible and tolerant citizens. Boarders’ views are actively sought and considered, contributing to a supportive environment.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to ensure proper supervision and care. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment. An appropriate induction process for new boarders is implemented, and suitable provisions are made for their medical and health care needs. The premises are well-maintained, providing adequate facilities for pupils’ needs, including outdoor spaces for physical education and play.

The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are conducted to ensure the safety of pupils. The school maintains a register of staff and supply staff, and visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised. The premises and accommodation meet the required standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs.

In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of details for parents, including information about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. The handling of complaints is effective, with a clear three-stage process in place. Records of complaints are maintained appropriately, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Leadership and management at Cottesmore School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, effectively fulfilling their responsibilities. The proprietor ensures that the standards are consistently met and actively promotes pupil well-being. The leadership of boarding is also well-managed, with required policies and records maintained.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is good. Pupils exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning and make good progress across most subjects. Those with SEND and EAL show particularly strong progress. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, with pupils achieving high levels of success in various areas, particularly in physical skills.

However, the inspection noted that progress in the prep section could be improved by ensuring consistent implementation of the school’s assessment policy. Pupils’ competence in information and communication technology (ICT) is underdeveloped, as its use as a learning aid is limited. Recommendations for improvement include enhancing pupil progress through consistent assessment practices, broadening learning opportunities for older pupils, and increasing the use of ICT across the curriculum.

The quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent, with a strong culture of praise and encouragement fostering self-confidence and self-esteem. Pupils feel safe and understand the importance of kindness and support within the school community. The diverse school environment enhances pupils’ understanding of their place in the world, and they develop excellent social skills from a young age.

Overall, Cottesmore School provides a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes academic achievement and personal development. The school is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. The combination of a strong curriculum, effective teaching, and a caring community contributes to the overall success of the school and its pupils.