Stonar School

Stonar School, located in Wiltshire, is a co-educational day and boarding institution that has been operational since 1895. Originally founded in Kent, the school relocated during World War II and is now administered by NACE Educational Services Limited, supported by a local advisory board. As part of the Globeducate network, Stonar School has established connections with educational institutions across Europe, India, Malaysia, and Canada. The school caters to a diverse age range, serving pupils from 2 to 19 years old, and is divided into two main sections: a preparatory school for children aged 2 to 11 and a senior school for those aged 11 to 19. The school accommodates 116 boarders and has three boarding houses on site.

Stonar School aims to equip its pupils with the skills and attitudes necessary to thrive in a globalized world. The institution emphasizes hard work, kindness, involvement, and the ability to shape the world around them. The student body is composed of day pupils from various professional and rural backgrounds, while boarders come from the UK, Europe, and the Far East. The school reports that the academic ability of its senior and sixth form pupils is broadly average, with 81 pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The school provides additional support for these students, as well as for 49 pupils for whom English is an additional language.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in February 2023, assessing the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection concluded that Stonar School meets all applicable standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is deemed good, with effective teaching practices enabling pupils to make significant progress. The curriculum is well-documented and includes appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a broad range of subjects is covered. The school also offers a suitable program of activities for boarders, promoting their overall development.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship among pupils. Boarders are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are taken into account by staff. The school supports the development of positive relationships among pupils and staff, based on mutual respect and trust. The inspection found that the standards related to this aspect of education are met.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Stonar School. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote pupil welfare, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements, including fire safety, are met, and first aid provisions are adequately managed. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

For new boarders, the school implements an appropriate induction process and provides suitable medical and health care provisions. Boarders have access to adequate food and drink, and their laundry and personal belongings are managed effectively. The boarding staff are well-trained and appropriately deployed to ensure the welfare of all pupils.

The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. Stonar School conducts appropriate checks to ensure that all individuals in contact with pupils are suitable for their roles. A register is maintained as required, and visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised appropriately. The school’s guardianship arrangements are also managed effectively.

The premises and accommodation at Stonar School are maintained to a high standard, with suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school provides adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate outdoor spaces for physical education and play. The boarding accommodation meets the needs of all boarders and promotes their welfare.

In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of materials for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and health and safety measures. The safeguarding policy is available on the school’s website, and a statement of boarding principles and practice is published.

The school has established a clear process for handling parental complaints, which includes informal, formal, and panel stages. Each stage has defined time scales, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.

Leadership and management at Stonar School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and appropriate management of boarding ensures that required policies and records are maintained and monitored effectively.

Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Stonar School is successfully meeting the required standards across all areas of operation. The school provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering their academic and personal development while ensuring their safety and well-being. The commitment to quality education, effective management, and the promotion of positive values positions Stonar School as a reputable institution within the independent education sector.