Wetherby Kensington
4 Wetherby Gardens, Kensington, SW5 0JN
www.wetherby-kensington.co.uk/
Pupils
152
Ages
4 - 8
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Ms Elizabeth McLaughlin
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£8,360
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISA, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Check school website
About Wetherby Kensington
Wetherby Kensington, part of the esteemed Wetherby group of schools, has established itself as a prominent player in the London pre-prep market since its inception in 2017. Situated in the educational hub of South Kensington, the school occupies a charming Victorian building, providing a nurturing environment for boys aged four to eight. The school’s ethos of care, share and be fair is evident in its approach to education, which balances academic rigour with a warm, supportive atmosphere.
The school’s curriculum is designed to cater to the individual needs of its pupils, with small class sizes of 18-22 students allowing for personalised attention. From reception, students are grouped by ability, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate level of challenge and support. The teaching approach is innovative, integrating subjects such as History, Art, and Computing to create a cross-curricular learning experience. Reasoning skills, essential for entrance exams, are taught throughout, equipping boys with the strategies needed to tackle complex tasks.
Wetherby Kensington places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of its students. The school employs a holistic approach, with two deputy heads overseeing pastoral and academic needs. This ensures that any social or academic support required is promptly addressed. The presence of floating teachers further enhances the support system, allowing for a flexible and responsive educational environment. Parents appreciate the school’s commitment to their children’s happiness and development, with many noting the positive impact on their sons’ enthusiasm for learning.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its non-selective admissions policy. All boys are screened for speech, language, and hearing in reception, with any learning difficulties identified early on. The Head of Learning Support works closely with teachers to provide tailored support, ensuring that each child can thrive both in and out of the classroom. The school’s proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential challenges is highly valued by parents.
Music and the arts are integral to the school’s offering, with seven peripatetic music teachers providing lessons in piano, violin, guitar, and clarinet from year one. The school’s choirs, which cater to different year groups, perform at major events, fostering a love for music among the students. Although the art room is located in the basement, artistic endeavours are encouraged, with students participating in external competitions and exhibitions. The school’s extra-curricular programme is extensive, offering clubs ranging from science and martial arts to film and Lego, allowing boys to explore a wide range of interests.
Sports are a key component of the school’s curriculum, with daily outdoor play and regular matches against rival schools. The school utilises nearby facilities for sports activities, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to engage in physical exercise. The head of sport’s dedication, including running a Saturday football club, is greatly appreciated by parents, who value the emphasis on physical wellbeing.
Wetherby Kensington’s community is diverse and cosmopolitan, reflecting the international nature of the area. While there is no formal PTA, parents remain actively involved through a WhatsApp group, and the school maintains an open-door policy, encouraging direct communication with the head and teachers. This fosters a strong sense of community and ensures that parents feel their voices are heard.
In summary, Wetherby Kensington offers a bespoke educational experience that combines academic excellence with a nurturing environment. The school’s commitment to personalised learning, inclusivity, and wellbeing makes it a standout choice for parents seeking a supportive and enriching education for their sons. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Wetherby Kensington School is an independent institution located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. Established in 2017 by the Alpha Plus Group, the school caters exclusively to male pupils and is divided into two sections: the lower school for Reception and Year 1 students, and the upper school for Years 2 and 3. The school aims to create an environment that fosters educational excellence and tradition through a progressive curriculum. Its mission is to help every child reach their academic, social, and personal potential, encouraging them to embody the school motto of care, share, and be fair.
The student body comprises 152 pupils, with 73 in the lower school and 79 in the upper school. The pupils come from diverse professional and business backgrounds, primarily residing in the local area. Standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are average compared to national benchmarks. The school has identified 55 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD. Additionally, 32 pupils speak English as an additional language, and the school provides tailored support to meet their needs. The curriculum is adapted for more able pupils to ensure that all students receive an appropriate level of challenge.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a regulatory compliance inspection in January 2023, focusing on the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection was a compliance-only review, meaning it assessed whether the school met the minimum standards required by law. The ISI found that Wetherby Kensington School met all the applicable standards, with no further action required following the inspection.
The quality of education provided at the school was evaluated positively. The school's assessment framework indicates that teaching 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. Effective behavior management strategies are in place, and suitable resources support teaching. The school also provides relationships education in the junior school, having consulted with parents and published a written policy in line with statutory guidance.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible, tolerant, and law-abiding citizens. The inspectors confirmed that the standards related to this aspect of education were met.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Wetherby Kensington 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. A disability access plan is also in place.
The inspection confirmed that the school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The standards regarding the suitability of individuals in contact with pupils were found to be met.
Regarding the premises and accommodation, the school provides suitable toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The premises are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements, with appropriate acoustics and lighting. Adequate water provision and suitable outdoor space for physical education and play are also available.
The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the proprietor, the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, first aid provisions, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school's website, and the school provides annual reports on individual pupil progress to parents.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, which includes informal discussions, formal complaints, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, contributing to a positive school environment.
In summary, Wetherby Kensington School has successfully met all regulatory compliance standards as per the ISI inspection. The school provides a supportive and enriching educational environment that promotes the academic and personal development of its pupils. With a focus on quality education, welfare, and effective leadership, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering the growth and success of its students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024