Heathside School, located in Weybridge, Surrey, has been inspected recently, and the overall judgement remains good. The inspection, conducted on 14 and 15 November 2023, indicated that the school might achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were to take place. The head of school, Gareth Lewis, leads the institution, which is part of the ElmWey Learning Trust, overseen by executive principal Anne Cullum and a board of trustees chaired by Francis Nicholas.
The school is characterized by its high ambitions for pupil achievement, with staff and students working diligently to ensure these goals are met. Pupils consistently perform well in public examinations and throughout their academic journey. The school adopts a proactive approach to behavior management, resulting in high standards of conduct among students who are motivated to learn. The house point system is appreciated by pupils as it rewards them for embodying the school’s values. When behavioral issues arise, the school provides effective support to address them.
Collaboration between pupils and staff is evident across various initiatives, including the ‘student impact team,’ which influences school practices related to well-being and mental health. Sixth form students express satisfaction with the guidance they receive, developing leadership skills through mentoring younger peers. The school offers a wide range of opportunities, encouraging pupils to initiate new clubs and activities, fostering independence and resilience.
Heathside School excels in providing a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes high-value qualifications. Leaders ensure that learning extends beyond the national curriculum, catering effectively to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who are disadvantaged. As pupils progress, they develop a deeper understanding of subjects, supported by expert teachers who provide clear explanations and utilize technical language effectively. This approach enables pupils to analyze and predict accurately, particularly in practical science work.
The school has recently reviewed its provision for pupils with special educational needs, adopting a systematic approach to identifying and addressing their needs. Staff receive training to implement effective strategies, resulting in high-quality work and strong achievements among these pupils. Literacy support is provided to enhance reading skills, particularly for those at the early stages of learning English. In the sixth form, students are taught effective study skills and subject-specific literacy, contributing to their overall academic success.
Pupils demonstrate purposeful and positive behavior, supported by a well-structured system of rewards and consequences. Leaders facilitate programs to help pupils manage their behavior, contributing to strong attendance rates. The school’s wider development program is ambitious, offering cultural experiences that enrich learning. Pupils engage with spiritual and moral questions through various subjects, and the careers program effectively connects students with local employers, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, benefit from these opportunities.
Leaders are attentive to staff workload and have balanced training and meetings based on feedback. They actively engage with parents through information evenings, and the board of trustees provides effective oversight of the school’s operations. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was last judged to be good in October 2013, reflecting its ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
