Southbank International School Westminster
6365 Portland Place, London, W1B 1QR
Pupils
510
Ages
10 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Principal Angela Liu
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£10,750 to £11,310
ISC Associations
ISA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Check school website
About Southbank International School Westminster
Southbank International School Westminster, located in the heart of London, offers a unique educational experience for boys and girls aged 10 to 18. As a co-educational secondary school, it embraces an all faiths ethos, welcoming students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This inclusive approach fosters a rich learning environment where students are encouraged to respect and understand different perspectives.
The school is known for its commitment to academic excellence, providing a broad curriculum that includes a wide range of subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, History, and Geography. The emphasis on a well-rounded education is evident in the school’s dedication to offering a variety of extra-curricular activities. These activities are designed to complement the academic programme, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom.
One of the standout features of the school is its focus on student wellbeing. Recognising the importance of mental and emotional health, the school has implemented various initiatives to support students in this area. The pastoral care system is robust, with dedicated staff members available to provide guidance and support. This ensures that students feel safe and valued, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
The teaching staff at the school are highly qualified and experienced, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. They are committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment, encouraging students to reach their full potential. The small class sizes allow for personalised attention, enabling teachers to cater to the individual needs of each student.
The school’s facilities are modern and well-equipped, providing students with access to the latest technology and resources. The science laboratories, art studios, and sports facilities are particularly impressive, offering students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and physical activities. These facilities play a crucial role in enhancing the overall educational experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
The leadership team at the school is dedicated to maintaining high standards of education and ensuring the continuous improvement of the school. The Head of Learning Support plays a vital role in this, working closely with teachers and students to identify and address any learning challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their individual needs.
Parents and students alike appreciate the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community. Regular events and activities are organised to bring families together, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. This sense of community is further strengthened by the school’s location in London, providing students with access to a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities.
In summary, Southbank International School Westminster offers a comprehensive and inclusive education that prepares students for the challenges of the future. With its focus on academic excellence, student wellbeing, and community engagement, it provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Southbank International School Westminster is an independent co-educational day school located in central London, governed by the Cognita Schools group. The school operates across three nearby sites and offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The current headmaster, Mr. Keith Birch, was appointed in January 2021. The school remained open only for children of key workers during the initial COVID-19 lockdown from March to August 2020, providing remote learning materials for all pupils during this period. The inspection process was adapted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to minimize contact due to health concerns.
The school aims to cultivate pupils who are internationally minded, independent, and enthusiastic about learning, while fostering a sense of service to others. It strives for excellence within a caring community based on integrity and respect. The school does not utilize nationally standardized data to assess pupil ability but indicates that the ability of pupils upon entry is above average. The ability of pupils in Years 12 and 13 aligns with that typically found in maintained schools. The school has identified 74 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, all of whom receive additional support. Over 200 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, with 25 attending specific EAL classes. The school does not categorize any pupils as specifically gifted or talented but encourages all pupils to engage in challenging projects.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate, approved by the Secretary of State, conducted a compliance-only inspection to assess the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection focused on the school's compliance with statutory requirements, including the accessibility plan under the Equality Act and the prohibition of corporal punishment. The inspection concluded that the school meets all applicable standards, requiring no further action.
In terms of educational quality, the school has demonstrated that teaching enables pupils to make good progress across various programmes. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a breadth of material that meets educational requirements. The school provides relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and consulting parents on its policy.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizenship. The school has established effective arrangements to safeguard and promote pupil welfare, ensuring good behavior, preventing bullying, and meeting health and safety requirements. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, along with a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. Facilities for pupils, including toilets, changing areas, and medical accommodations, are suitable and well-maintained, meeting health and safety standards. The school provides adequate outdoor space for physical education and play.
A range of information is published and made available to parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and academic performance. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school’s website. Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, ensuring clear timelines and appropriate record-keeping.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting pupil well-being. The inspection evidence included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and discussions with staff and the proprietor’s representative. Inspectors also reviewed samples of pupils' work, observed extracurricular activities, and attended assemblies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the school's performance.
Overall, Southbank International School Westminster has shown a commitment to providing a high-quality education while meeting all regulatory compliance standards. The school’s focus on developing well-rounded, responsible individuals within a supportive community reflects its dedication to excellence in education. The positive findings from the inspection indicate that the school is effectively fulfilling its mission and providing a safe, nurturing environment for its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024