Berkhamsted school rated highly across all areas by Independent Schools Inspectorate

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Inspectors visited the school over three days and spoke with pupils, staff and governors

A school in Berkhamsted has received a glowing report after a three-day visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

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Egerton Rothesay School, on Durrants Lane, received ratings of excellent in all areas of the inspection including the two main areas of Pupils’ Academic and Personal Achievements.

The report highlighted the pupils’ outstanding attitudes to learning and that their communication skills and behaviour were a great strength of the school.

Egerton Rothesay SchoolEgerton Rothesay School
Egerton Rothesay School | jpimedia

It said: "Pupils of all ages develop an excellent skills base which prepares them well for their chosen qualifications, whether GCSEs or others which are more vocationally based.

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"For their abilities and from an early age, pupils make good progress in mathematics as a result of skilful teaching which employs the use of many concrete materials and models to enable them to gain a firm foundation in their understanding of number, shape and data handling.

"Pupils’ study skills are excellent. They are taught effectively how to draw information together from different sources to produce a result of high quality.

"Pupils have achieved success in a wide range of activities outside of the school curriculum and the school gives them opportunities to try out new and exciting experiences.

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Headteacher Colin ParkerHeadteacher Colin Parker
Headteacher Colin Parker | jpimedia

"Pupils have outstanding attitudes to learning. They love to please and relish in the praise that is given them for every small step of their development. They become competent learners who can both take ownership of their studies but also work effectively well with others, showing mature levels of co-operation and mutual support."

Pupils at the school are aged six to 19 and all have a special educational need.

Headteacher Colin Parker said: "We are very pleased with the report, it demonstrated the fantastic community spirit among the pupils, parents and staff and the determination of everybody to ensure that all pupils are given the best opportunities to achieve their best and enable them to follow their chosen career paths."

Key findings in the report:

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The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.

- Pupils’ progress over time from their individual starting points, and given the particular nature of their needs, is good and often rapid.

- Pupils’ acquisition of skills and knowledge is excellent and reflected in their depth of understanding across all subjects.

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- Pupils communicate effectively. They love to share their opinions and ideas.

- Pupils show excellent attitudes towards their learning. They work enthusiastically with a great desire to succeed.

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.

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- Pupils display high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem supported by a school environment where they know they are valued.

- Pupils’ behaviour is excellent. They naturally move around the school in a calm, purposeful manner.

- Pupils display excellent social skills within a school community that is based on mutual support and trust.

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- Pupils show excellent respect for one another. They are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and an intrinsic respect underpins all their interactions.

The inspectors observed lessons, conducted formal interviews with pupils and examined samples of pupils’ work, they also spoke with members of staff and with the chair of governors, observed a sample of the extra-curricular activities, and attended form times and house assemblies.

They visited the learning support and educational resource areas.

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The responses of parents, staff and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires were analysed, and the inspectors examined curriculum and other documentation made available by the school.

The report added: "In the context of the excellent outcomes, the school might wish to consider: Strengthening pupils’ information and communication technology (ICT) skills to support their

independence in preparation for life after the school."

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