Highgate Hill House School

Highgate Hill House School, located in Whitstone, Holsworthy, Devon, is an independent co-educational day school catering for pupils aged 5 to 16 who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Established in July 2017, the school operates in a former educational facility and offers a nurturing environment with access to outdoor spaces, including parks and woodlands. The school is governed by Highgate Hill House School Ltd, which oversees its operations through two committees: the school advisory panel and the quality, curriculum, and standards committee. The current principal, Mrs. Kerry Taylor, was appointed in November 2022.

The school’s mission is to provide high-quality, specialized education that prioritizes safety, trust, and respect, enabling students to achieve their full potential academically, emotionally, and socially. All pupils at Highgate Hill House School have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, ensuring tailored support for their individual needs. The school does not have any pupils for whom English is an additional language, allowing for a focused approach to the specific challenges faced by its students.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) from October 10 to 12, 2023, highlighted the effectiveness of the school's leadership and management. The inspection team, comprising three inspectors, evaluated the school over two and a half days, observing lessons, discussing with pupils, and reviewing samples of pupils' work. They also engaged with staff, the chair of proprietors, and the chair of the school advisory panel, while examining the extracurricular activities and curriculum documentation.

The findings of the inspection revealed that leadership and management at Highgate Hill House School are effective, with senior leaders setting high expectations for pupil development. The staff share a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that pupils make good progress in their academic, social, and emotional development. The school environment is positive, fostering good behavior and supporting pupils' social and emotional well-being. Many pupils experience significant improvements in their behavior and learning upon joining the school, thanks to the effective planning tailored to individual needs.

The school has implemented a newly introduced curriculum that is largely effective, with leaders actively seeking ways to enhance it further. This includes improving the literacy program for younger pupils and collaborating with vocational education providers to expand vocational pathways for older students. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and personalized, allowing for adaptations that meet the diverse needs of pupils. Morning activities focus on core subjects such as literacy and numeracy, contributing to good progress from their starting points.

Pupils engage in a variety of recreational activities that promote scientific, technological, aesthetic, and creative skills. The school emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and tolerance, encouraging pupils to learn and play together across different age groups and abilities. Each pupil has a bespoke education plan with clear targets, ensuring that staff and pupils understand the next steps in their learning journey. Regular reviews of these plans help to monitor progress and adapt support as needed.

The inspection also noted the effectiveness of the school's arrangements for safeguarding. Leaders carefully assess potential risks for each pupil, providing well-targeted support for those identified as vulnerable. The school has established robust policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils, with regular audits confirming high standards of health and safety practices.

Pupils at Highgate Hill House School develop strong social skills and a sense of responsibility. The school fosters an ethos of trust and respect, preparing pupils for adulthood by teaching them the importance of social interaction and awareness of others. Staff model positive behaviors and reinforce expectations, helping pupils to understand the impact of their actions on others. The school actively promotes fundamental British values, encouraging pupils to explore their moral codes and understand their rights and responsibilities.

The school provides tailored careers advice, supporting pupils in developing economic understanding and independence. This includes practical experiences such as work placements, where pupils learn to make informed choices about their futures. The emphasis on collaboration and teamwork in various projects helps pupils build interpersonal skills and confidence in their abilities.

Overall, Highgate Hill House School meets all relevant standards set by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The leadership and management are effective, ensuring that the school provides a high-quality education that meets the needs of its pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement, personalized learning, and a supportive environment contributes to the positive outcomes observed during the inspection. The school’s focus on safeguarding, pupil well-being, and social development further enhances its reputation as a nurturing educational institution for children facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges.