Headline News
Ofsted Boarding Inspection

The boarders on their return in September

Following an inspection in October of Farleigh’s boarding school provision, Ofsted has published its findings.

In the category, ‘Helping children to be healthy’, Farleigh’s boarding provision is rated as “outstanding”, and in the remaining five categories measured, it is rated “good”. Verbally, the inspectors added that boarding at Farleigh is “really good”, and the report was nothing but positive throughout.

“We are absolutely delighted that the hard work and commitment of our staff for the welfare of our boarding pupils is recognised by an independent body in this way,” said Fr Simon Everson, Headmaster. “The Ofsted inspectors take a great deal of care in their assessment of schools, and it is especially pleasing that the boarders themselves speak so highly of their relationships with staff and of the boarding environment at Farleigh.”

The Ofsted terminology is defined as follows:
    Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality
    Good: this aspect of the provision is strong
    Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound
    Inadequate:this aspect of the provision is not good enough

A copy of the full report will be on this website at the beginning of December. These are only a handful of the very positive conclusions:

• “Boarding pupils live in a stable and safe environment where their welfare is paramount. Boarders confirm that they feel staff give a high priority to keeping them safe.”
• “Boarders reported that staff ‘are fabulous’, are very positive about the care and support provided with comments such as ‘they treat you just like parents’ and ‘boarding feels like home’.”
• "The school fosters boarders' self-worth through encouraging positive relationships between themselves, their families and the staff at the school."
  
• “Prefects are supportive to pupils and act as good role models.”
• “The school has a good approach to providing boarders with a wide range of support and opportunities that encourages them to achieve educationally and socially to their fullest potential.”
• “Boarders reported very low levels of bullying incidents throughout the school. Staff are unquestionably committed to tackling and educating pupils about bullying and the impact it has on others.”
• “The pupils' health and emotional wellbeing is very well met by all boarding staff and the school's matrons.”
• “The matron demonstrates an exceptional regard to safeguarding boarding pupils and is acutely aware of specific health and emotional needs of all boarding pupils.”
• “The school has paid particular attention to the development of catering and sourcing of food and provides excellent meals for pupils.”
• “The catering manager is constantly striving to increase the quality of produce used in school meals. The school uses some organic and free range produce and has fruit available throughout the day and evenings.”
• “Contact with family and friends is encouraged and pupils confirmed this.”
• “Boarders spoke favourably about their boarding environment. It is clear that boarders appreciate their environment and are able to have an input into decoration and furnishings.”
• “Dormitories were observed to be bright and colourful and personalised by boarding pupils in a manner that made them feel at home.”
• “Boarders report that they have no difficulty finding a member of staff when they need to and it was clear on inspection that they value the staff support and commitment to boarding pupils.”
• “Evidence obtained during the inspection indicated that the boarding provision was being effectively managed and physical, social and educational needs of the pupils were being well met by a dedicated staff team.”