Merstham Park School, located in Redhill, Surrey, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The school, which opened in 2018 and moved into new facilities in September 2022, has established a strong educational environment where learning and success are prioritized. Leaders at the school are dedicated to fostering a passion for learning among pupils, aiming to enhance their life chances. The school’s ethos emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, resilience, respect, and success, which are evident in the daily experiences of students.
Pupils express enjoyment in their learning and appreciate the various opportunities available to them. The school has cultivated a culture that prioritizes the well-being and safety of its students, with a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. This has resulted in a respectful and supportive atmosphere where pupils feel happy and proud to be part of the school community. Parents have overwhelmingly positive views about the school, praising its leadership and the development of their children’s confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
The curriculum at Merstham Park School is ambitious, broad, and balanced, offering extensive extracurricular opportunities that allow pupils to explore various interests. The school is committed to including students with special educational needs and disabilities in the full curriculum, ensuring their needs are identified early and appropriately addressed. While the curriculum is generally well-sequenced across most subjects, there are areas where improvements are needed to enhance the connections between prior learning and new concepts.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively present information, ensuring that pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive the necessary support to thrive. In core subjects like English, mathematics, and art, teachers utilize assessment and retrieval practices to identify misunderstandings and plan future learning accordingly. The emphasis on reading is evident, with systems in place to support pupils who struggle with reading fluency, leading to noticeable improvements in their skills.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, supported by a strong pastoral system that balances rewards and consequences. This approach fosters an environment where pupils are engaged and attentive in their learning. Additionally, the school provides relevant careers information and guidance from Years 7 to 11, helping pupils understand their future educational pathways and aspirations.
Despite the school’s strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers lack the expertise to effectively deliver the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, which can lead to gaps in pupils' understanding of important societal issues and fundamental British values. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that staff receive adequate training to address these challenges and to foster a deeper understanding of these critical topics among pupils.
Overall, Merstham Park School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the academic and personal development of its students. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and with ongoing efforts to enhance curriculum sequencing and the delivery of the PSHE curriculum, the school is well-positioned to further elevate the educational experience for all its pupils. The positive feedback from parents and the strong sense of community among students and staff reflect the school’s dedication to creating a supportive and effective learning environment.
