Thomas’s Clapham School is an independent co-educational day school located in London, which has been operating at its current site since 1993. The school is part of Thomas’s London Day Schools, an unlimited company, and has a leadership team that includes Mr. Nathan Boller as the headteacher and Mr. Tobyn Thomas as the executive principal. The school caters to pupils aged 4 to 13 and currently has a total enrollment of 652 students, distributed across various educational stages: 81 in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), 467 in the juniors, and 104 in the seniors.
The school’s mission is to instill strong values centered around kindness and social responsibility. It aims to provide an inspiring and relevant curriculum that prepares students for a globalized and digital world. The school prides itself on its commitment to fostering an environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
Assessment data indicates that the pupils at Thomas’s Clapham School generally possess above-average abilities. The school has identified 100 pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, of which 85 receive additional support in areas such as literacy, mathematics, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and autism spectrum conditions. Furthermore, the school supports 50 pupils for whom English is an additional language, with two receiving extra assistance. Approximately 94 pupils are recognized as very able and are provided with enrichment opportunities and a modified curriculum. The school community is diverse, with parents coming from various professional backgrounds and residing in the local area.
The recent regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Thomas’s Clapham School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the relevant requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection was a compliance-only visit, focusing on the school’s adherence to the standards without delving into broader operational matters.
The inspection highlighted several key findings regarding the quality of education provided. The school’s assessment framework indicates that teaching practices enable pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that it covers the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management strategies are in place, and suitable resources support the teaching process. The school also provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, complying with statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils develop into responsible and tolerant citizens. The arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils are robust, adhering to current statutory guidance. The school promotes good behavior, prevents bullying, and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. Proper supervision of pupils is maintained, and attendance registers are kept as required.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure that all individuals in contact with pupils are suitable, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation provided by the school meet the necessary standards, with suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.
The school effectively publishes and provides a range of information to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily available on the school’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents.
Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. This process ensures that complaints are addressed effectively, with clear timelines and appropriate record-keeping.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive school environment.
In addition to the compliance inspection, the school made a formal application to increase its capacity from 655 to 680 pupils. The proposed increase will not result in additional classes, and the existing classroom capacity will remain at a maximum of 21 pupils per class. The school has sufficient general teaching classrooms and specialist facilities to accommodate the increased number of pupils.
Overall, the inspection concluded that Thomas’s Clapham School meets all regulatory requirements, and the recommendation for the material change to increase pupil capacity was supported. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering personal development, and ensuring the welfare and safety of its pupils was evident throughout the inspection process. The findings reflect the school’s dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving its educational offerings.
