Wetherby Senior School

Wetherby Senior School, located in central London, is an independent day school for male pupils, established in 2015. The school operates across two sites, with the main campus on Marylebone Lane and an additional site, Hannah House, just a five-minute walk away. The school is part of the Wetherby family of schools and is governed by the Alpha Plus Group. With a current enrollment of 443 pupils, Wetherby Senior School aims to cultivate a love of learning, foster resilience, and support pupils as individuals.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from September 26 to September 28, 2023, highlighted the school’s vibrant and inclusive community. The leadership team, including senior leaders and governors, share a strong vision centered on the core values of character, community, and respect. They prioritize placing the child at the center of their planning, fostering a sense of shared purpose among staff and pupils. The leadership team, which includes some new members, makes decisions that benefit pupils, carefully evaluating potential consequences and adapting plans as necessary. This approach has created a purposeful environment characterized by well-managed change and growth.

Governors play a crucial role in overseeing the school’s operations, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the institution. They ensure the implementation of a strategic development plan and maintain close collaboration with school leaders to monitor its progress. This oversight includes regular reports on various aspects of school life, policy reviews, and providing both support and challenge where needed. The school offers a suitable curriculum that encompasses a broad range of subjects, including a personal, social, health, and economic education program that incorporates relationships and sex education. While the required content is covered, opportunities for deeper discussions on these topics are sometimes limited, which can affect pupils' understanding.

The school has established effective systems for assessing and monitoring pupils' progress, providing necessary support to ensure they make good progress. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is particularly effective, enabling them to achieve their potential. A significant number of pupils speak English as an additional language, and they attain high levels of competence in English.

Pupils at Wetherby Senior School value the leadership opportunities available to them, with pupil leaders and senior staff serving as role models. Younger pupils are encouraged to emulate their peers in various leadership roles. The school actively seeks pupils' opinions and suggestions, which have led to changes such as revised lunchtime menus and the acquisition of new gym equipment. The pastoral leadership team has developed strong systems to promote good behavior, minimize bullying, and provide effective support when issues arise. This has resulted in a supportive environment that positively impacts pupils' well-being. The school community celebrates diversity and demonstrates high levels of tolerance and respect.

Wetherby Senior School encourages pupils to take the initiative in charitable endeavors, fostering a sense of service within and beyond the school. Pupils engage with cultural and educational opportunities in London, attending theater performances and lectures facilitated by the school. Supervision at both school sites is appropriate, and measures are in place to minimize risks when pupils move between the two locations. However, there is a noted concern that pupils do not always report near misses related to traffic or public safety.

The inspection confirmed that the school meets all relevant standards related to leadership, management, education quality, pupils' well-being, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The report recommends enhancing the effectiveness of the personal, social, health, and economic education delivery, particularly in relationships and sex education, to improve pupils' understanding. Additionally, the school is encouraged to establish a more effective system for reporting incidents that occur during transitions between sites, allowing leaders to take informed action to mitigate risks.

The leadership and management of Wetherby Senior School are characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of pupils. Governors work closely with senior leaders to ensure that well-being is prioritized in strategic planning. They systematically monitor school standards through regular audits and challenge leaders to provide updates on their responsibilities. The school has developed robust systems for assessing risks and ensuring safety across various aspects of school life.

The curriculum at Wetherby Senior School is designed to be broad and engaging, with leaders showing creativity in course development. The inclusion of non-examination philosophy for all pupils in Years 7 to 11 encourages independent thinking and the ability to articulate differing viewpoints. The school promotes a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore new interests and develop their skills. The effective implementation of these programs positively impacts pupils' well-being.

Teaching at Wetherby Senior School is characterized by well-planned lessons that engage pupils and encourage inquiry. Leaders monitor the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, make good progress. The school has established a strong assessment framework that allows for tracking pupil progress and outcomes across all year groups. Pupils are aware of their academic targets and receive appropriate support to help them achieve their goals.

The school’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its curriculum, which increasingly incorporates a wider range of perspectives and experiences. Pupils develop a global outlook as they progress through the school, supported by the international nature of the pupil and staff body. The school’s location in central London provides numerous opportunities for cultural enrichment, further broadening pupils' educational experiences.

Wetherby Senior School places a strong emphasis on pupils' physical and mental health. The school promotes positive relationships between pupils and staff, fostering self-confidence and self-esteem through various support systems. The physical education program includes a variety of activities, and pupils understand the importance of exercise for their mental well-being. The school has developed a comprehensive PSHE program that reflects its ethos of inclusivity and empowerment.

The school has effective measures in place to address bullying and support pupils in resolving conflicts. The pastoral and well-being teams play a vital role in helping pupils navigate challenges, ensuring they feel safe and supported. The school’s commitment to safeguarding is evident in its robust policies and procedures, which are regularly reviewed and monitored by governors.

In summary, Wetherby Senior School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. The school’s leadership, curriculum, and support systems work together to create a positive and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The recent inspection affirmed the school’s commitment to meeting all relevant standards and provided constructive recommendations for further improvement.