Bredon School is a good place to be a boarder, according to an OFSTED inspector.

The boarding provision at the independent school near Tewkesbury was praised as “good”, with inspector Dawn Taylor highlighting several “outstanding features”.

Bredon currently has 108 boy and girl boarders among its 242 pupils. The inspection report on boarding praised the School’s pioneering approach to boarding, saying: “Pupils’ welfare is enhanced by living in a school where each individual is encouraged to do well and boarders are supported by a dedicated staff care team.”

The report was welcomed by Principal David Keyte. “I am particularly pleased as we were quite bold in our decision in 2005 to appoint dedicated houseparents who don’t have a teaching role. At other boarding schools, boarders are often looked after in the evenings and at weekends by the same people who teach them during the school day,” he explained.

“The positive outcome of this more modern approach is clearly reflected by the inspection report – what was innovative is now tried and tested. I am delighted that the inspectors’ report confirms that our plan to provide this more realistic model of school and home life in a boarding environment has been successful.”

Mr Keyte paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of the School’s Head of Boarding & Care, Nick Allison, and his team, who were praised for being “strong” and providing “excellent care” in the report.

Bredon’s ability to promote healthiness among its pupils was rated outstanding; both in terms of the medical care available and also the provision of a healthy diet. “Menu planning is adventurous, integrates culturally appropriate food and encourages pupils to try new dishes,” the report stated.

The inspection report commended “the commitment by Bredon School to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of boarders and staff living on site”, which was reflected by the study bedrooms in the School’s new Smart Building opened last winter.

It praised Bredon School for fully implementing all seven of the recommendations made in the last report; including a training programme for prefects; refurbishment of boarding facilities and access of payphones.

The School was rated “good” or “outstanding” in each of the Government’s Every Child Matters outcome groups.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Bredon School by Edge Media

MEDIA CONTACTS: David Keyte at Bredon School on 01684 293156 or Paul Herbert at Edge Media on 01453 544900 / 07921 084976