Parsons Green Prep School

Parsons Green Prep School, located in Fulham, southwest London, is a co-educational day school founded in 2001. Owned by Eridge House Ltd, the school is led by Principal Mr. Tim Cannell, who is accountable to Proprietor Mrs. Lucinda Waring. The school caters to children aged 4 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 114 pupils, including 18 in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and 96 in the junior classes. The school community is diverse, with many pupils from business and professional backgrounds, including a significant number of international students. The school aims to foster confident, independent learners who have a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, providing individual attention to help pupils recognize and achieve their potential.

The recent inspection, conducted from May 17 to 20, 2022, assessed the school’s compliance with regulatory standards and the quality of education provided. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) carried out a focused compliance inspection, which included evaluating the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection also considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school’s operations and the measures taken to support pupils during this challenging period.

The key findings from the inspection indicate that Parsons Green Prep School meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The school demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils, ensuring that health and safety requirements are met, and that bullying is effectively prevented. The school has established appropriate measures to check the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs, and the school has a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The quality of education provided at Parsons Green Prep is commendable. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that pupils make good progress. The teaching is effective, with a focus on behavior management and the use of suitable resources. Pupils receive relationships education, and the school has consulted with parents to develop a written policy that aligns with statutory guidance. The school’s assessment framework confirms that pupils are making good progress in their learning.

Pupils at Parsons Green Prep exhibit excellent personal development. They are confident, resilient learners who are not afraid to make mistakes. The school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens. Pupils demonstrate high levels of emotional maturity and empathy towards others, and they have a strong understanding of how to stay safe and healthy. Collaborative skills are highly developed, and pupils work effectively together in various activities.

The inspection also highlighted the quality of leadership and management at the school. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils, creating a positive and nurturing environment conducive to learning. The school’s commitment to individual attention and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is evident, with appropriate measures in place to ensure that all pupils receive the help they need to succeed.

In terms of academic achievements, pupils at Parsons Green Prep excel in their studies. The overall attainment of pupils is high, with many achieving expected or higher levels in standardized tests for English and mathematics. Pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) make rapid progress, and those with SEND also attain expected levels. The school has successfully addressed any dips in attainment caused by the pandemic, implementing targeted interventions to support pupils’ learning. Pupils develop a wide range of knowledge, skills, and understanding, and they are adept at applying these in their learning across subjects.

The school’s emphasis on communication skills is evident, with pupils expressing themselves clearly and confidently in both spoken and written forms. They take pride in the presentation of their work and demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is integrated into the curriculum, enabling pupils to use technology effectively for research, analysis, and presentation purposes.

Parsons Green Prep also places a strong emphasis on personal development, encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning and set targets for improvement. The school fosters a culture of resilience, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, and they demonstrate excellent study skills across the curriculum.

The school promotes a healthy lifestyle, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of the importance of physical and mental well-being. They engage in various physical activities and are aware of the need to stay safe online. The school’s leadership prioritizes pupil safety, ensuring that a safe learning environment is maintained.

Overall, Parsons Green Prep School provides a high-quality education that meets the needs of its diverse pupil population. The school’s commitment to individual attention, effective teaching, and personal development contributes to the excellent achievements of its pupils. The positive relationships between staff and pupils, along with the supportive school community, create an environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The inspection findings affirm that Parsons Green Prep is a school that successfully prepares its pupils for future challenges, instilling in them a love for learning and the skills necessary for success.