Shoreham College

Shoreham College is a coeducational independent day school located in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. Founded in 1852, the college has a rich history and has evolved over the years, becoming coeducational in the 1980s. The school is governed by the Kennedy Independent School Trust Ltd and aims to provide a nurturing environment where every child can flourish and achieve their full potential. The college serves pupils aged 3 to 16, with a current enrollment of 378 students, including 18 in the Early Years Foundation Stage, 99 in the junior school, and 261 in the senior school.

The college's mission is to instill confidence in its pupils, enabling them to succeed in the wider world. It emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere where each pupil is known, supported, and appropriately challenged. The curriculum is designed to inspire academic achievement while fostering resilience, creativity, and ambition. The school also provides opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging pupils to engage in various extracurricular activities.

The inspection report highlights that Shoreham College meets the Independent School Standards and relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The quality of education provided is commendable, with evidence showing that pupils make good progress across all year groups. The junior school employs a robust assessment framework, confirming that teaching effectively supports pupil development. In the senior school, GCSE results from 2019 to 2022 indicate that pupils achieve good progress, with many attaining high grades.

The curriculum is well-documented and includes appropriate plans and schemes of work that cover a broad range of subjects. Teaching methods are effective, and behaviour management is well-implemented, supported by suitable resources. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote pupil welfare, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The college maintains appropriate supervision of pupils, and there is a strategic approach to risk assessment, including a disability access plan.

Staff suitability checks are conducted rigorously, and the school keeps a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behaviour.

Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting pupil well-being.

The educational quality inspection reveals that the quality of pupils' academic achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding across various subjects, with particularly strong performance in communication skills. Their attitudes towards learning are positive, contributing to their overall success. However, the report notes that while personal development is good, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils feel their voices are heard and valued.

Pupils' self-knowledge and confidence are well-developed, and they respond positively to opportunities for self-management and decision-making in their learning. The school encourages pupils to engage in discussions about their learning experiences, fostering a sense of agency. However, some senior pupils express a desire for greater involvement in decision-making processes regarding their education.

The report emphasizes the importance of developing pupils' spiritual understanding and encourages the school to provide more opportunities for deeper reflection on non-material aspects of life. While behaviour within the school is generally excellent, there are instances where senior pupils feel that the school's systems of rewards and sanctions could be more consistent.

Pupils demonstrate good social collaboration and respect for one another, with younger pupils showing maturity in their interactions. The school promotes a sense of social responsibility, with pupils actively participating in leadership roles and community events. They engage in charitable activities and demonstrate respect for diversity, celebrating various cultural festivals throughout the year.

Overall, Shoreham College provides a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters academic achievement and personal development. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils feel valued and heard. The inspection report highlights the college's strengths while also providing recommendations for enhancing the educational experience for all students.