Heritage School

Heritage School is an independent co-educational day school located in the heart of Cambridge, occupying three Victorian houses. Established in 2007 by the current headmaster and the head of curriculum and staff development, the school caters to pupils aged four to sixteen. The junior and senior schools are situated in adjacent buildings, with the school hall located nearby. As a charitable trust, Heritage School is registered as a Christian faith school, drawing inspiration from the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, a notable British educational reformer.

The school aims to provide a one-form entry education with small class sizes, ensuring that each pupil is valued and supported, which facilitates strong academic progress. Heritage School is committed to delivering a knowledge-rich curriculum that engages, inspires, and challenges pupils, fostering a love for learning. The school's vision is to equip pupils with the skills and confidence to navigate the challenges of life and contribute positively to society.

Pupils at Heritage School come from diverse professional backgrounds, reflecting the demographics of Cambridge. The school reports that the ability of its pupils is above average compared to national standards. A total of 35 pupils have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 15 receiving additional support. The school also accommodates pupils for whom English is an additional language, although none require extra support. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils, ensuring that they are appropriately challenged.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate revealed that the school does not meet all required standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Key findings indicated that while the school excels in several areas, including the quality of education and the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, there are significant deficiencies in health and safety procedures, safeguarding measures, and the suitability of staff checks.

The quality of education provided at Heritage School is generally good, with pupils making good progress academically. The school employs its own framework for assessing attainment in the junior school, which differs from the national framework. Performance at GCSE has consistently been above the national average for maintained schools, and IGCSE results have exceeded worldwide norms. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, enabling effective teaching and learning.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship among pupils. The school environment encourages good behavior and prevents bullying, although some health and safety requirements are not fully met. The school has a suitable safeguarding policy in place, but the implementation of measures to promote pupil welfare has been inconsistent.

The inspection highlighted that the school does not consistently carry out required checks on external activity providers in a timely manner, and health and safety procedures are insufficient to ensure the safety of all individuals on site. Fire drills are conducted regularly, but they do not encompass all premises, and not all recommendations from the most recent fire risk assessment have been implemented.

The suitability of staff is another area of concern, as the school has not made all appropriate checks to ensure the safety of staff, supply staff, and proprietors. The Single Central Register of appointments does not include all staff working in regulated activity, and not all required checks were completed by the end of the inspection.

Despite these challenges, the school provides suitable toilet and changing facilities, and the premises are generally adequate for the needs of pupils. However, maintenance of the premises does not meet health and safety standards, which is an area requiring immediate attention.

The provision of information to parents is satisfactory, with a range of information published regarding the school's ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, and the school maintains appropriate records of complaints and actions taken.

Leadership and management at Heritage School have been identified as needing improvement. The proprietor must ensure that leadership demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill responsibilities effectively and consistently meet independent school standards. The quality of leadership is crucial for promoting the well-being of pupils and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.

The educational quality inspection further emphasized the good academic achievements of pupils, who benefit from individual support from teachers. Most pupils successfully gain admission to their chosen post-16 courses, and they demonstrate strong factual knowledge due to the rich curriculum and various enrichment opportunities. Pupils are enthusiastic readers and engage well with a broad range of cultural experiences.

While pupils show maturity and self-awareness, opportunities for them to take initiative and lead their own learning are sometimes limited. The school is encouraged to extend these opportunities to foster independence and reasoning skills among pupils.

Overall, Heritage School provides a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes academic success and personal development. However, addressing the identified compliance issues, particularly in health and safety, safeguarding, and staff suitability, is essential for the continued success and reputation of the school. The commitment to improving these areas will ensure that Heritage School remains a place where pupils can thrive academically and personally, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.