Faraday School

Faraday School, located in east London, is an independent co-educational day school that was established in 2009. It operates as a single-form entry institution, catering for children from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 6. The school is owned by The New Model School Company, which oversees its operations through a board of directors and an advisory board. The school is divided into three sections: the EYFS for children aged four to five, the lower school for pupils aged five to seven, and the upper school for those aged seven to eleven. The current head, Mr. Lucas Motion, has been in position since January 2022.

The school's mission is to nurture, inspire, and educate pupils in a manner that allows them to reach their full potential while fostering maturity and self-confidence. Faraday School emphasizes the importance of instilling effective learning habits and good behavior from an early age. It aims to provide value for money and maintain strong connections with parents. The student body primarily consists of local families from diverse professional backgrounds, with the school's assessment data indicating that pupils enter with broadly average abilities compared to national standards. The school supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those for whom English is an additional language (EAL), ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Faraday School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.

The quality of education at Faraday School is characterized by effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering a broad range of subjects. The school provides relationships education and has consulted with parents to develop a written policy in line with statutory guidance. The standards related to the quality of education are met, with pupils receiving a well-rounded education that promotes their academic and personal development.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The standards in this area are also met, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Faraday School. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and first aid is adequately provided. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, demonstrating a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The inspection also confirmed that the school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.

Faraday School publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and the complaints procedure. The handling of parental complaints is effective, following a clear three-stage process that includes informal, formal, and panel hearings, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Leadership and management at Faraday School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team consistently meets the required standards and actively promotes the well-being of pupils.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who consistently perform above age-related expectations and make rapid progress over time. Pupils exhibit exemplary attitudes towards learning, displaying strong engagement and a desire to succeed. Their subject knowledge, skills, and understanding are outstanding, with pupils producing high-quality work across various subjects. The school effectively uses assessment data to inform teaching and support individual pupils, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND and EAL, make significant progress.

Pupils' personal development is also excellent, characterized by substantial self-confidence and perseverance. They demonstrate advanced spiritual awareness and moral understanding, reflecting thoughtfully on philosophical and ethical questions. The school fosters a strong sense of safety and well-being, with pupils exhibiting a keen understanding of how to keep themselves safe and look after their mental health.

The school encourages pupils to develop strong social skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others. They actively contribute to their community and engage in charitable activities, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact. Pupils appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds, reflecting on issues of discrimination and the importance of respect and tolerance.

Overall, Faraday School provides a high-quality education that meets the needs of its pupils, fostering their academic, personal, and social development. The school successfully creates an environment where pupils can thrive, supported by effective leadership, a well-rounded curriculum, and a commitment to the well-being of every student. The inspection findings affirm the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving its educational offerings.