Caterham School ISI Report 2023

ISI Report 2023

From the Headmaster

In November 2023 Caterham School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as part of their routine cycle of school inspections. I am delighted to say that the inspectors were hugely impressed with our school. Not only did we comply with all statutory regulations (The Independent School Standard Regulations and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding), the inspection team was also incredibly impressed by the quality of care, standard of teaching and the breadth of opportunity at Caterham. They also identified key areas of national excellence in our school. The strength of our ambitious, high achieving and caring school culture was clear to the inspectors.

Our latest inspection took place under a new framework that was introduced in September 2023. You will not find any overall judgment of the school – ISI have removed single word judgments. You will find a report which places pupil experience and outcome, along with school culture, at the centre of the report. It provides a much better read of whether schools do what they say they do.

The inspection process is, quite rightly, rigorous and detailed and relies on extensive interviews with pupils and staff, lesson observations, work scrutiny and questionnaires – so the judgment of the school is built from the bottom up, from the experience of our pupils and our parents. I would like to thank you and your children for your time, care and honesty in providing feedback to the inspection team.

Although there are no single word judgments, inspectors are permitted to identify key areas of significant strength in a school. Under this new framework it has been rare for these areas of strength to be identified in schools – the bar is set incredibly high. I am thrilled that our inspection team identified two areas of significant strength at Caterham in our wellbeing culture and our teaching, learning and ambition for our young people.

1. The culture enables pupils not to worry about what others think about them, to be ambitious and to be thoroughly respectful of each other This is a significant strength.

2. Teaching engages and generates intellectual interest and ambition among pupils at a high level. This is a significant strength. As a result, pupils develop a strong love of learning for its own sake.

We are incredibly proud of this feedback. It speaks directly to who we are and what a great school should be doing.

Of course, our focus here at Caterham remains on continuous improvement. I would never presume that we cannot be better in all aspects of school life, and we will continue to be reflective as an organisation and ambitious for all your children. It does not require an inspection for the school to want to know about pupil and parent experience and we will continue to welcome feedback and challenge from our community to ensure that Caterham continues to provide the best possible education we can for all our pupils at all times.

My thanks to the whole school team here at Caterham for their hard work and support, and to all of our families for making our school and community a very special place for children to grow and succeed.

With best wishes

Ceri Jones Headmaster

KEY AREAS OF STRENGTH

Under the new ISI inspection framework, inspectors are permitted to identify key areas of significant strength in a school. Under this new framework it has been rare for these areas of strength to be identified in schools with the bar set incredibly high. In their November 2023 Inspection of Caterham School, two significant areas of strength were identified - in Caterham’s wellbeing and in teaching, learning and ambition for our young people.

Teaching engages and generates intellectual interest and ambition among pupils at a high level. This is a significant strength. As a result, pupils develop a strong love of learning, for its own sake.

Leaders have created an atmosphere and culture that very successfully promotes pupils’ self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence This culture enables pupils not to worry about what others think about them, to be ambitious and to be thoroughly respectful of each other. This is a significant strength.

SUMMARY OF INSPECTION FINDINGS

The school’s leaders understand well their responsibility to promote pupils’ wellbeing. Leaders have developed strategies that support the school in its objective to provide pupils with an environment in which they are challenged to be the best they can be

Pastoral care underpins the academic, extra-curricular and sporting achievements pursued by the school

Teaching engages and generates intellectual interest and ambition among pupils at a high level. This is a significant strength. As a result, pupils develop a strong love of learning, for its own sake.

Numerous ways are provided for pupils’ voices to be listened to. Staff are well trained in effective listening skills and safeguarding, enabling them to support pupils within the whole school community.

Leaders have created an atmosphere and culture that very successfully promotes pupils’ self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. This culture enables pupils not to worry about what others think about them, to be ambitious and to be thoroughly respectful of each other. This is a significant strength.

The school uses data effectively to support the pupils in their achievements, providing effective feedback where required in most cases. This is being developed to ensure that all pupils receive tailored support by their teachers.

QUALITY OF EDUCATION

Teaching is highly effective. Teachers engage very well with pupils and generate intellectual interest and ambition in them. Leaders provide a clear direction in these areas and give individual teachers the opportunity to develop their own approaches. Consequently, pupils develop advanced learning skills and cultivate a love of learning. Pupils of all ages and aptitudes develop a thirst for knowledge, enthused by teachers who are themselves seeking to learn and develop through research projects and coaching.

Pupils work co-operatively and purposefully in groups, with the confidence of being in a safe space to discuss their views and challenge those of their peers. Pupils are confident and articulate.

Across all subjects, teachers’ clear instructions, and the whole school strategy focusing on reflection, lead to pupils’ high levels of ambition, engagement and effort in lessons. Pupils make rapid progress, regardless of their ability. The impact of the curriculum is reflected in the consistently high attainment in external examinations. Read

Academic enrichment is fully embedded with very popular academic societies across the departments.

Pupils are extremely engaged in lessons and are confident speakers and listeners. They develop knowledge, skills and understanding of many complex topics. They engage enthusiastically in tasks that require them to think deeply and take risks.

CO-CURRICULAR QUALITY OF RECREATION

Leaders provide a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. These have a positive impact both on pupils’ mental and physical development and on their wellbeing.

The recreational programme develops skills for pupils of all abilities.

Leaders enable pupils to develop deeper self-confidence, leadership, resilience and team-work skills through the opportunities provided. Leaders provide an extensive range of co-curricular activities, including linguistic, technical, creative and sporting.

Access to extensive facilities in sport and the performing arts contributes to pupils’ high levels of performance. School sports teams frequently compete in national competitions.

The co-curricular programme encourages pupils to develop adaptability and a sense of their own responsibility. The programme offers a safe environment to learn how to cope when things go wrong and how to grow by learning from mistakes. Pupils are encouraged to explore their strengths and talents. Pupils can immerse themselves in art, drama, or music or enjoy spending time with their peers, providing balance to their school lives.

Leaders ensure that opportunities in, for example, sport, drama or music are available to all pupils while ensuring that pupils with talents are given the chance to excel.

The co-curricular clubs and societies provide opportunities for pupils to take the lead and develop areas of interest beyond the curriculum. Staff provide effective support and encouragement for them to do so.

DIGITAL & INNOVATION

The curriculum is wide ranging and ambitious. Leaders have introduced ‘EDGE’ and ‘learning to learn’ programmes which help widen pupils’ horizons Pupils across all years ‘explore, develop, grow and evolve’ through interdisciplinary learning. They develop high levels of skill in oracy, research and wider philosophical thinking. This encourages a deeper understanding of subject matter which, in turn, enhances pupils’ personal development

The school’s use of tablets and digital learning platforms allow pupils to quickly access tasks and to use a variety of applications in lessons to support their understanding. Leaders have focused well on embedding innovation and digital learning into the curriculum within lessons, and in a wide variety of co-curricular opportunities. Pupils enthuse about their learning in this area and know that it is an essential element of life beyond school.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

In line with the school’s ethos of embedding mutual respect, staff generate an atmosphere and culture that empowers pupils to be their true selves. Differences are celebrated and pupils value each other equally. Staff encourage pupils to be ambitious and to be respectful of each other. Pupils have plentiful opportunities to have their voices heard. They lead assemblies and societies both in the school and within the wider educational environment, such as to other schools through relevant associations.

Leaders have instigated a wellbeing programme that is comprehensive and appropriate to pupils’ ages. It successfully equips pupils with a sophisticated understanding and respect for difference and diversity Pupils develop knowledge and understanding of British public institutions and fundamental values. The programme helps to develop well rounded and informed young people.

SOCIAL & ECONOMIC EDUCATION CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY

Leaders ensure that pupils feel part of a close yet outward-looking community. Leaders ensure that pupils’ views are heard and listened to through a variety of pupil councils. Pupils value the chance to voice their opinions and to see things change because of their suggestions. Pupil councils contribute to pupils’ understanding of other cultures.

Respect for others is deeply embedded in the school. Social and cultural development is secured by a well-developed pastoral system, and wideranging creative opportunities, publicised clearly around the school. The school actively promotes pupils’ leadership skills in wide areas of the school’s life. Some pupils go on to take part in leadership extension programmes beyond school. Leaders encourage pupils to become confident, articulate communicators who are committed to using their skills for the good of society.

EAST SURREY LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

Caterham works closely with a network of eight primary schools who are part of our East Surrey Learning Partnership. The East Surrey Learning Partnership is a partnership of independent and maintained schools working together to support ambition and achievement for all.

Through this partnership we work together to support children’s Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 learning outcomes, focusing on English, Maths and Science. We do this through staff and pupil volunteering, sharing best practise and providing extension activities and workshops. We also share resources, and, with the support of Giving Day donations, we were delighted to open a Resource Library this year. The library provides a hub for training and the lending out of specialised learning equipment such as robotics equipment. Alongside the loan of equipment, the Resource Library offers workshops and skills-based sessions for teachers in our primary school network.

Fizzy Maths Activity Packs

High attainers from ESLP Primaries have been completing the Fizzy Maths Packs, and then attending a maths seminar at Caterham School. Please use the link for example material – why not have a go!

ESLP Science

Classes from local primaries attend science sessions at Caterham School, delivered by Caterham staff and assisted by Caterham sixth formers. The classes attend on a four week cycle.

The aim is to increase openness to science, and empower pupils through increased confidence, using resources accessible in the Caterham science department. The sessions address National Curriculum science targets around measuring, recording and presenting data whilst using the apparatus confidently and accurately.

ESLP Reading Groups

Our Sixth Form and teachers have embarked on a significant partnership with local primary schools, contributing to the ‘catch up’ agenda, enriching the curriculum, and learning as they go. Teams of sixth formers have lead reading lessons and reading groups, having gained some experience in our own Prep School, and with ongoing training and reflection.

Saturday Plus is our programme to support children receiving Pupil Premium in primary schools to access academically selective independent and statemaintained grammar schools across Surrey, Kent and South London. Saturday Plus, runs on weekends throughout the year and is now well into its second year.

Caterham’s Saturday Plus programme extends beyond academic tutoring and interview preparation to provide mentoring, problem solving and digital skills for the children taking part. The weekend sessions include maths and English lessons with additional sessions covering robotics, Latin, creative arts performance, outdoor learning and sport.

Saturday Plus participants are provided with transport to and from the sessions, all equipment and textbooks required in addition to being hosted for lunches. The pupils also have access to Atom Learning, a normally paid for platform that children can use at home for 11+ exam preparation.

Saturday Plus is about supporting the aspirations of children whether they are headed to selective statemaintained grammar schools or independent schools. Our aim is to mirror the level of academic extension and interview support that children gain at preparatory schools for those receiving Pupil Premium. The support is focused across a range of primary schools and we have worked closely with primary school heads to build the programme and recruit participants. We also want to break down any perceived barriers that might exist so pupils and their families can approach admissions processes for any school with confidence and familiarity.

The pupils’ progress through Saturday Plus scheme is monitored by ImpactED to ensure that they are making academic gains from the extension sessions in addition to supporting their application to academically selective senior schools.

Caterham School

Harestone Valley Road

Caterham

Surrey CR3 6YA

01883 343028

enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk

caterhamschool.co.uk