Pictured above: l-r Sarang Gupta (Y10); Deacon Lee (Y8); Leon Li (Y13); George Dixon (Y8); Isingoma Baguma (Y13); Jess Galletly (Y8)

The Independent Schools Inspectorate praised numerous aspects of the 230-pupil school, including the teaching, the strength of the curriculum, the “outstanding” activities programme and the “very strong pastoral care” provided by the boarding team.

School Principal David Keyte said: “We are all delighted with this overwhelmingly positive report. It is a tribute to the skill, dedication and enthusiasm of our staff and, of course, to the hard work of our pupils and the support of their parents.”

The report was compiled after a four-day visit in January 2008 by six inspectors, led by Reporting Inspector Michael Higginbottom. They highlighted improvements made since the School’s last inspection report, in 2002, which was itself very positive. These include the opening this winter of the School’s new Smart Building - containing new teaching areas and boarding accommodation - and the reorganisation of boarding, which had been “very successful and is a particular strength of boarding at Bredon”.

The juniors’ “strong progress in literacy and numeracy skills” was praised, while the inspectors found that Bredon’s “teaching enables pupils of all ages and abilities to make rapid progress”.

Bredon School, near Tewkesbury, welcomes boys and girls aged 7-18 as both day pupils and boarders. It is known internationally for the strength of its work with children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. The inspection report mentioned the “very positive work” carried out in the Access Centre for such pupils by the “dedicated and very caring learning support department”.

Other findings in the 16-page report include:

o “The quality of teaching overall is good and is sometimes outstanding.”
o “The School prepares its pupils very well for the next stage of education, for employment and for adult life.”
o “Pupils’ attainment is good in relation to their ability, as is the quality of their learning.”
o “The needs of LDD [Learning Difficulties and Disabilities] and SEN [Special Educational Needs] pupils are excellently addressed by the School.”
o “The quality of relationships between staff and pupils and among pupils themselves is particularly high.”
o “The quality of pastoral care is outstanding, as it was at the previous inspection. The School fully achieves its aims for a family atmosphere, mutual respect, tolerance and hard work, and a happy environment where all have equal worth.”
o “Parents are pleased with the quality of education their children receive…”
o “Clear educational direction and leadership are provided by the Principal and his senior team…”
o The Advisory Board has “close understanding of the workings of the School and considerable academic experience and expertise”

There were “many strengths and no significant weaknesses”, the report stated. Inspectors pointed out a few areas for development, but noted that these are already in the School’s planning. They include completing the boarding accommodation refurbishment and library improvements.

Mr Keyte concluded: “Bredon School’s founder, Colonel A K Sharp OBE, has often stressed the importance of a child’s educational journey, which, he believed, was just as important as the destination. So I am sure he will be thrilled at these words from the inspectors: ‘This journey is a successful and rewarding experience for the pupils, who are able to realise their full potential as a result of the School’s support structure and through the wide range of education provided for them.’”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Bredon School by Edge Media