Westbourne School is a co-educational independent school for pupils from 3 to 18 years of age. The school is situated in the town of Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan. It was founded in 1896 and, since 2006, the proprietor has been Montague Place Limited. The school is organised into two sections: the nursery and preparatory school, for nursery pupils through to Year 5, and the senior school for pupils in Year 6 through to Year 13. There are currently 172 pupils on roll. There are 50 pupils in the preparatory school and 122 in the senior school. The majority of pupils live in Penarth, Cardiff and the surrounding areas of South Wales. Increasingly, the school is attracting students from around the world because of its International Baccalaureate Organisation World School status. About 20% of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Around 25% of pupils receive support in learning English as an additional language. The school does not aim to make pupils bilingual in English and Welsh. A few pupils are on the school’s register of special educational needs. Pupils may join the school at any stage depending on the availability of spaces. Prior to entry, prospective pupils spend two to five days visiting the school and are assessed on their literacy and numeracy skills. Almost all pupils in the preparatory school transfer to the senior school. The school requires pupils who wish to join the sixth form to have five or more GCSE passes at grades A*-C or to have successfully completed the school’s own pre-International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme course. The principal was appointed in November 2017 and the school was last inspected in 2012. The head of nursery and head of the preparatory school both began their roles in September 2017. The school describes its principal aim as ‘Academic excellence in a global society; with progress for all.’ 1 A report on Westbourne School March 2018 Summary The standards achieved by pupils at Westbourne School are extremely high and pupils with English as an additional language make particularly good progress. In the sixth form, all pupils study the International Baccalaureate Diploma and results are extremely strong when compared to those of other schools internationally. Pupils are well-motivated, enthusiastic learners who engage eagerly with the wide range of opportunities the school provides. Pupils feel that the school values their contributions and provides a safe environment where ‘you can be unique’. Where teaching is most effective, teachers ensure that their lessons inspire all pupils and encourage them to think and to explore ideas for themselves. Staff know the pupils well and respond expertly to their social and emotional needs. The proprietor and the school’s senior leadership team have a strong, clear vision that they share exceptionally well. The school meets all of the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. Inspection area Judgement Standards Excellent Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Excellent Teaching and learning experiences Excellent Care, support and guidance Excellent Leadership and management Excellent 2 A report on Westbourne School March 2018 Compliance with the regulations for registration Independent school inspections are governed by the Education Act 2002 and related regulations: the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. These regulations require an independent school to meet an appropriate standard in the following areas: The quality of education provided by the school The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Welfare, health and safety of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The suitability of proprietors and staff The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Premises of and boarding accommodation at schools The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The provision of information The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The manner in which complaints are to be handled The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard.