KEY FINDING
The Independent School Standards
Leadership and management, and governance
The quality of education, training and recreation
Pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
Pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society
Standards relating to safeguarding
Highlights
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE
Governors maintain effective oversight of the school and visit the school regularly to meet with pupils and staff. ‘They listen carefully to the opinions of pupils and staff and analyse data on key aspects of school life.’
School leaders apply their skills and knowledge to promote the academic, pastoral and physical wellbeing of the pupils effectively. ‘They take well-informed decisions and take action designed to further the school’s aims and promote its ethos ’ Their effective self-evaluation informs the recently reviewed development plan
‘Leaders of the early years provide staff with effective training and guidance to support them in planning activities which are stimulating and ensure the children make good progress.’
Highlights
QUALITY OF EDUCATION, TRAINING & RECREATION
The comprehensive and carefully planned curriculum is well matched to the pupils’ ages and abilities.
Leaders monitor the curriculum carefully and adapt schemes of work to ensure that they provide appropriate support for the pupils and well-structured subject content that goes beyond the age-related expectations of the national curriculum.
teachers demonstrate a thorough understanding of their subject matter They use a range of effective teaching methods and activities to extend pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding.
Pupils benefit from constructive and supportive written and verbal feedback from their teachers When pupils find tasks challenging and have difficulty understanding concepts, informative guidance from their teachers enables them to make progress.
Leaders provide a broad range of extracurricular activities which are available in the morning before school starts, during the lunch break and after school These activities include, for example, chess, robotics and mountain biking.
Pupils engage enthusiastically in these activities which enable them to acquire new interests and develop their physical and intellectual skills in these areas
Highlights
PUPILS’ PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Leaders successfully promote the school’s core pastoral values of compassion for others, generosity of spirit and appreciation of friends, family and the wider world. As a result, there is a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the school and pupils show respect for each other, adults and visitors to the school
Leaders strive successfully to promote pupils’ emotional wellbeing and build their confidence and self-esteem. Leaders celebrate pupils’ achievements in academic, sporting and creative activities and their acts of kindness
Pupils learn about the links between physical and mental wellbeing and the importance of healthy eating, rest and exercise through an effective PSHE education syllabus which is taught by suitably trained staff
Teachers support pupils in developing appropriate personal goals, resilience and understanding of how to use technology responsibly.
Pupils successfully develop their sporting abilities and co-ordination skills through wellplanned PE and games lessons. They learn how to play football, hockey, cricket and netball and effective teaching develops their grasp of tactics and teamwork.
PUPILS’ SOCIAL & ECONOMIC EDUCATION & CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY Highlights
Through assemblies, form periods, PSHE education lessons and extra-curricular activities, pupils learn about key values, such as individual freedom and respect for different beliefs and opinions, which underpin British democracy
Staff support early years children in learning social skills such as sharing and taking turns calmly. This enables children to play together constructively and complete different challenges successfully Through their participation in these activities and in extracurricular clubs, such as gardening and chess, children learn how to work together, resolve differences and develop their understanding of fair and courteous treatment.
Staff provide pupils with opportunities to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to school life. Pre-prep pupils act as environmental captains and vice-house captains. Year 8 pupils are appointed to the positions of head boy and head girl and take responsibility, amongst other duties, for organising and chairing meetings of the school council
Staff teach pupils how to keep themselves safe, including when online.
NEXT STEPS
Under the current ISI framework, inspectors are expected to make recommendations We are pleased that their single suggestion echoed one of our own school development goals to keep building effective differentiation in teaching, across everything from sport to singing, so that every child is stretched and supported to achieve their best
VISIT BARROW HILLS
The best way to experience what life is like at Barrow Hills is to see it first-hand.
We encourage every prospective parent and pupil to arrange a visit to our school where you will be welcomed with a personal, tailor-made visit which will take into account your daughter or son’s interests and give you an excellent feel for all our school has to offer.
We warmly invite you to visit us to explore and experience how special a place Barrow Hills is for learning and growing – truly an education without limits
PERSONAL TOURS & OPEN MORNINGS
Usually lasting around 90-minutes your visit will include a meeting with our Head, Mr John Towers, alongside opportunities to see vibrant school community in action and a chance to meet and talk with the children as they take you on a tour of our excellent facilities
Visit our website to book an appointment or feel free to contact our admissions team.
Open morning events run throughout the year and can be book by visiting our website or by contacting our Admissions team to book your place.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
If you have any questions, our admissions team would de delighted to hear from you
Email via admissions@barrowhills.org or by calling us directly on +44 (0)1428 683639.