St Edward's Preparatory School

St Edward’s Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, catering for pupils aged 1 to 11 years. Established in 1995, the school operates on a 45-acre site and is divided into three sections: kindergarten for children aged one to four, pre-prep for those aged four to seven, and the prep department for pupils aged seven to eleven. The school is governed by St Edward’s School Trust, which also oversees a senior school located two miles away. Although the school has a Christian foundation with Catholic roots, it welcomes pupils from all faiths and backgrounds.

The school aims to foster a strong sense of family, ensuring that every pupil is valued and supported to reach their individual potential in a caring environment centered around Christian values. The ethos encourages pupils to recognize their uniqueness and develop a desire for self-improvement throughout their lives. The student body primarily consists of British families residing within a twenty-minute commute to the school. Standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are average compared to national benchmarks. The school supports 14 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and 14 pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL), with some requiring additional support. The curriculum is tailored for 27 identified gifted and talented pupils, particularly in sports and the performing arts.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that the school meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to safeguarding, promoting good behavior, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. The school has effective measures in place to prevent bullying and maintain a safe environment for all pupils. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the standards are consistently met and that the well-being of pupils is actively promoted.

The quality of education provided at St Edward’s is commendable, with a documented curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects and supports pupils in making good progress. The teaching methods employed are effective, with a focus on behavior management and the use of suitable resources. The school has established a framework for assessing pupils' performance, which is integral to their educational approach. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, keeps accurate attendance records, and has a strategic approach to risk assessment. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.

The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies regarding admissions, behavior, and health and safety. Complaints from parents are handled through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback and implementing changes to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision at St Edward’s is outstanding, with leaders implementing an ambitious and challenging curriculum that meets the needs of children under two. Practitioners work collaboratively to ensure that all children, including those with SEND and EAL, make excellent progress. The nurturing environment fosters emotional security, allowing children to form strong bonds with their caregivers. The school has successfully implemented recommendations from previous inspections, further enhancing the quality of early years education.

The educational quality inspection revealed that pupils achieve excellent academic outcomes, demonstrating high levels of attainment in line with the school's aims. The pupils' collaborative skills and perseverance contribute to their success in both academic and extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to fostering independent learning and providing high levels of challenge enables pupils to make accelerated progress. The curriculum is designed to develop strong key skills and knowledge, preparing pupils for the next stages of their education.

Pupils with SEND and EAL receive tailored support, allowing them to achieve standards comparable to their peers. The school’s assessment and tracking programs inform teaching practices, ensuring that all pupils are challenged and supported in their learning. The strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills is evident, with pupils demonstrating excellent communication abilities and a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.

Overall, St Edward’s Preparatory School provides a nurturing and challenging environment that promotes the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school’s commitment to high standards, effective leadership, and a supportive community contributes to the success and well-being of every child. The focus on individual potential, combined with a strong sense of community and shared values, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The school continues to strive for excellence, with ongoing efforts to enhance its provision and support for all learners.