Eaton Square Senior School

Eaton Square Senior School, located in central London, is a co-educational day school that opened in 2017. It is part of a group of schools owned by Dukes Education and is overseen by a board of governors who are also directors of the company. The head of the senior school has been in position since April 2018, and in September 2022, the school opened a sixth form in a nearby building. This inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) marks the school’s first evaluation since its establishment, with previous inspections conducted by Ofsted in July 2018.

The school aims to create a supportive environment that fosters a strong sense of community, allowing pupils to develop self-confidence, respect for others, and a purposeful attitude. It seeks to cultivate intellectual curiosity among its students, ensuring that each pupil is equipped with the skills necessary to overcome challenges. The overarching objective is for pupils to develop a love for learning, perseverance, self-sufficiency, commitment to service, and empathy.

The pupil demographic at Eaton Square Senior School is diverse, with students coming from various countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils’ abilities are average compared to national standards. The school has identified 38 pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, with 20 of these receiving additional support. Additionally, 85 pupils speak English as an additional language, with 27 receiving extra tuition. There are three pupils with an education, health, and care plan.

The ISI inspection, conducted from October 5 to 6, 2022, confirmed that Eaton Square Senior School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection focused on various aspects of the school’s operations, including the quality of education, the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, and the welfare, health, and safety of students.

In terms of educational quality, the school has demonstrated that its teaching enables pupils to make good progress, particularly in the context of GCSE performance from 2020 to 2021. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. The teaching methods employed are effective, and there is a suitable framework for assessing pupil performance. The school provides relationships and sex education in accordance with statutory guidance, and all standards related to the quality of education are met.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, with principles and values that encourage responsible and tolerant citizenship. The school meets the standards related to this aspect of development, ensuring that pupils are prepared to be law-abiding citizens.

Regarding the welfare, health, and safety of pupils, the school has established arrangements that comply with current statutory guidance. Good behavior is promoted, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and adequate first aid is available. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, and has a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place.

The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. All standards related to the suitability of individuals in contact with pupils are met.

Eaton Square Senior School provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as accommodations for medical and therapy needs. The premises are maintained to a high standard, ensuring health and safety, with appropriate acoustics and lighting. There is sufficient outdoor space for physical education and play.

The school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, including details about the proprietor, the school’s ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission, behavior, and exclusions. The safeguarding policy is readily available on the school’s website, and the school meets the standards for the provision of information.

Parental complaints 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 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.

Overall, the inspection concluded that Eaton Square Senior School meets all the required standards, with no further action needed as a result of this evaluation. The school is well-positioned to continue providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering their academic and personal development in a safe and nurturing environment.