Wetherby Pembridge

Overview

This is the first standard inspection of Wetherby Pembridge, a new independent school. The report describes a school that has made "remarkable progress" since opening, with leaders establishing a "high-quality education" and a clear, shared culture. Pupils are described as articulate, confident, and well-prepared for future academic rigours.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate "very well-developed oracy skills" and show "long-term retention of broad knowledge" across subjects.
• The curriculum is "very broad and rich," combining academic knowledge with performing arts and sports, supported by teachers with "secure subject knowledge."
• Personal development is prioritised through a "highly effective programme" for personal, social, health and economic education, including targeted lessons on consent and online safety.
• Staff benefit from "open communication" and "well-established" professional learning, while pupils enjoy positive relationships and a strong sense of community.
• The school is deemed likely to meet independent school standards if its proposed expansion to include post-16 education is approved.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should refine how they check the progress of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to ensure support is timely and effective.
• Leaders should continue work to improve overall attendance so that it exceeds the national average.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.