A boarding school in Somerset where fees are more than £15,000 a year has continued to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Sexey’s School in Bruton, part of the Quantock Education Trust, was again given the impressive rating for its boarding provision by inspectors.
The report praised the school for the variety of extracurricular activities and trips available to boarders. Stating that they “enjoy a wide range of different activities, sports clubs and creative opportunities”.
It adds: “Staff encourage boarders to plan group trips and some boarders say they have tried new experiences they never thought they would do.”
The glowing report reaffirms the school’s social care grading of ‘Good’ and takes into account how well children and young people are helped and protected as well as the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
The key findings identified a focus on creating an environment which provides care, nurture and support to boarders and the commitment by all staff to ensure that students feel safe.
Inspectors said: “The boarding provision provides an inclusive and welcoming place for boarders to enjoy new opportunities and to make new friends. Staff create a positive community for boarders to belong to. The behaviour of boarders embodies the school values of kindness, politeness and friendliness.”
They also mentioned that “boarders enjoy their boarding experience” and that “they speak enthusiastically and thoughtfully about the benefits of boarding and that they would recommend it to others.”
With respect to the boarding and teaching staff, the inspectors stated: “Effective communication exists between boarding and teaching staff. This provides a holistic view of each boarder, ensuring important information is shared about their wellbeing and focus. Staff monitor and track the progress of boarders compared to day pupils.
“Boarders make good progress. They leave school to pursue their chosen careers or university courses. Those who leave at the end of Year 11 go on to other further education opportunities.”
Aaron Reid, Interim Executive Headteacher at Sexey’s School said: “This report offers excellent recognition of the wonderful boarding experience on offer at Sexey’s. State boarding is an important option for our families and can help students make the most of the curriculum on offer, especially if they live further away from the school. Congratulations to our boarding staff team for this great report.”
Chrysta Garnett, the CEO of Quantock Education Trust, expressed her pride regarding the recent “Good” Ofsted rating for the boarding facilities at Sexey’s School.
She stated: “I am incredibly proud of our colleagues at Sexey’s, who deserve to celebrate this fantastic Ofsted report. It is a testament to their commitment and dedication to creating an exceptional environment for their boarders. I know work has already begun to reflect the recommendations made in the report, but for now, a huge well done from the whole QET community!”
Inspectors noted that staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and that effective systems for reporting, monitoring and tracking concerns are in place. They said that “staff understand the types of risks boarders may be exposed to, and ensure appropriate support is in place. At the core of this are the relationships staff develop with boarders. Because of those relationships, boarders will share worries, whether about themselves or others, with staff.”
Inspectors praised the leadership team for maintaining a good and effective oversight of the provision. adding that “enthusiastic and dedicated boarding staff support boarders, with the school values at the core of their practice.”
The report also highlighted that “staff receive a wide range of training opportunities about a variety of topics. Boarding meetings, supervisions and reflective practice sessions are held with staff regularly. They provide staff with a forum to reflect on what has happened and what is planned for boarders.”
Inspectors also noted that “Governors understand the strengths and areas for improvement in boarding. They maintain good oversight of the provision, including meeting boarders. Governors provide challenge to leaders and work collaboratively with the school to develop the vision for a high-quality boarding experience.”
Somerset Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Somerset Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Somerset Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.