Oxford International College, Brighton

School and boarding pre-registration inspection report

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Oxford International College, Brighton Ovingdean Hall, Ovingdean, Greenways, Brighton BN2 7BA

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when it opens

Boarding provision outcome The school is likely to meet all the

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1)–2(2)(b), 2(2)(d)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(g)–2A(1), 2A(1)(b)–2A(2), 3–4  The proposed curriculum is planned to prepare pupils to study in top universities in the United Kingdom. It will mirror the curriculum at the proprietor’s existing school, Oxford International College. Pupils will normally study 10 GCSEs and then typically four A-levels in the sixth form.  The curriculum policy sets out the broad curriculum offer, including for students in the sixth form. Although a wide range of subjects will be available, there will be a clear focus on science and mathematics.  The vast majority of pupils are expected to come from overseas. They will continue to study their home language. Leaders expect these languages to include Russian and Chinese. Pupils’ understanding of and competence with the English language will be assessed prior to entry. The school will maintain a minimum required standard of

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Main inspection findings

English required for entry.  Leaders intend to provide personal, social, health and economic education to all pupils. They will use nationally published resources and train selected teachers to lead pupils’ learning in this area. Leaders recognise the importance of developing pupils’ self-awareness and cultural awareness.  Due to the proposed international population of the school, leaders will teach ‘important values in life’. These will support, and not undermine, the fundamental British values. Leaders propose to set up a student council using the British-style electoral system.  Age-appropriate sex and relationships education will be taught. Leaders will consult with parents about the content of the curriculum in this area.  The school has planned a strong careers and guidance offering. This will focus on what each student wants to do. The school plans to hold regular careers and networking events. Each pupil will have an ‘academic strategy tutor’. Leaders plan to

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Main inspection findings

mirror the enrichment activities at the original Oxford International College, including visits to leading universities and work experience opportunities during half term holidays in the United Kingdom and worldwide.  The school does not intend to offer particular specialist provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders state there is the possibility to assess pupils for dyslexia on entry. They believe that small class sizes and effective use of examination access arrangements will support any pupils with mild SEND.  All pupils, including students in the sixth form, will take part in physical activities on a weekly basis. The planned ‘super curriculum’ is proposed to give pupils a wide range of different experiences, including at weekends.  Leaders intend to appoint teachers with relevant skills and expertise to teach the curriculum well. These teachers will be expected to plan sequences of lessons, teach

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Main inspection findings

them accurately and manage behaviour in line with the school’s policies.  Leaders have a well-tested approach to assessment. This will include regular testing on Saturdays so that teachers can check the progress that pupils are making and report these details to parents.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5–5(d)(iii)  Leaders have thought carefully about how they will promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in the context of an international school.  They have considered the likely different religious beliefs of pupils and how different religious festivals can be celebrated. School meals will also be tailored for the different dietary needs.  Leaders plan to ensure that pupils have time for reflection, for example when thinking about ‘big issues in economics’.  Leaders are aware of their duty to ensure that staff do not display partisan views. Leaders expect the school to include pupils from both Russia and Ukraine, and used this example to explain their sensible approach.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7–7(b)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders who will be responsible for safeguarding in the school have not yet been appointed. However, the proprietor was able to explain the training they would receive when appointed and the skills they would need for the role. There is also a planned induction process for all new staff that includes safeguarding training.  The draft safeguarding policy meets statutory requirements and names two temporary designated safeguarding leaders from within the proprietor’s group of schools.  Appropriate processes will be in place for any disclosures to be dealt with correctly. The proprietor has made contact with Brighton and Hove local authority to learn more about local thresholds and referral processes.  Leaders’ understanding of the specific risks around the type of school they wish to open are well developed. They know they need to do more to understand the specific safeguarding issues present in the local area before admitting pupils in August 2023.

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Main inspection findings

 When the school opens, appropriate systems will be in place to keep pupils safe online. The curriculum will include structured opportunities to teach pupils about online safety. Paragraph 8  Arrangements to safeguard boarders at the school are likely to meet the national minimum standards.  The proprietor has experience of implementing appropriate safeguarding processes for boarders at their other schools, and this will help shape policies and procedures at this school. For example, leaders have appropriate policies about gender separation and intimate relationships in the boarding provision.  Leaders are now taking appropriate steps to ensure that risks associated with staff and their families who live on site are appropriately managed. Paragraph 9–16(b)  Leaders will have high expectations about behaviour. The draft ‘promoting good behaviour and sanctions’ policy is likely to be effective. While leaders are not

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Main inspection findings

expecting much misbehaviour, any incidents will be tracked and followed up by form tutors. A parental portal is planned to allow parents to see any reported concerns. The anti-bullying policy and processes are fit for purpose.  There are stringent health and safety processes in place while the school is being renovated. The health and safety policy includes all of the relevant risks and is likely to be implemented well. For example, processes around the storage of chemicals in science are very robust.  Leaders are currently working with contractors to minimise the risk from legionella. Leaders assured inspectors that all recommended actions will be taken before the school opens to pupils.  The proprietor has ensured a fire risk assessment has been carried out and remedial actions have been taken. Action was taken to clear egress from a fire exit while inspectors were on site.  The proprietor plans to employ enough staff to ensure that supervision levels are

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Main inspection findings

appropriate. A suitable number of staff will be trained to deliver first aid in line with the draft policy leaders have produced.  Admissions and attendance registers will replicate the systems used in the proprietor’s other schools and are therefore likely to meet requirements.  Leaders have drafted an appropriate risk assessment policy and have already drawn up a wealth of risk assessment documents. For example, there are some particularly helpful risk assessments around the safe use of science laboratories and equipment.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18(2)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 21(1)–21(3)(b), 21(5)– 21(5)(c)  A single central record of recruitment checks has been set up by the proprietor. Currently, only a few members of staff are included on this record as the main recruitment process has not yet begun.  The proprietor has secure processes for ensuring that all of the required recruitment and health checks are carried out prior to appointment. Overseas checks will be completed where necessary.  Suitable checks have been completed on members of the proprietorial board.  Leaders are in the process of carrying out suitable checks on staff who live on the site and, where relevant, other members of their families who also live on site.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1)–24(1)(b), 24(2)–29(1)(b)  When the school opens, there will be enough classrooms and well-equipped science laboratories to accommodate up to 300 pupils. Each classroom or laboratory is of a good size and has natural light and appropriate acoustics for learning.  There are separate toilet facilities for girls and boys. Hot and cold water is available at wash basins, and the hot water will not present a scalding risk. Drinking water will be available throughout the school and will be appropriately labelled.  Shower rooms are currently being renovated and will be available to pupils when the school opens.  There is a dedicated area for the treatment of the sick which includes running water and toilet facilities. In addition to an examination room, there are two private bedrooms that can be used for medical isolation if required.  There is ample outdoor space for physical education and recreation. Outdoor lighting

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Main inspection findings

is in place to enable pupils and staff to enter and leave the school safely in the hours of darkness. Paragraph 30  Although the inspection commission form issued by the Department of Education to Ofsted states that ‘The school has confirmed that it will be ready for inspection from 5 December 2022’, only one of the boarding houses (Clayton) had been completed to a standard that was ready to accommodate students on the day of the visit.  Therefore, inspectors recommend that the school is only registered for 178 boarding pupils at the current time. Clayton is ready to accommodate 118 boarders. A second boarding house (Ditchling) was close to being ready, but only for 60 pupils rather than the proposed 70 pupils, as some bedrooms will need to be converted into common rooms and private study space. The third boarding house (Ovingdean) is not ready to be registered at this time.  The relevant national minimum standards for boarding are likely to be met in Clayton

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Main inspection findings

and Ditchling.  The majority of bedrooms have two beds, with some having four. There are a few single rooms. An electronic system allows rooms to be locked and to separate male and female areas of the boarding houses. The electronic system also helps to separate staff accommodation from that for pupils.  Bedding is likely to be warm, clean and comfortable. Pupils will have a personal safe in their room to store their possessions and a pinboard to personalise their rooms.  Some rooms have ensuite facilities, which also have locks. Others have access to toilet and shower facilities. Leaders intend to refurbish these and allow limited access through electronic access control.  CCTV will be in use in the boarding areas. Leaders are reviewing how this will be placed so that it can monitor entry and exit to protect pupils’ safety but not become overly intrusive.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met. However,

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Main inspection findings

the number of boarders recommended at this stage is lower than requested.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(d), 32(1)(f)–32(2)(b)(i), 32(2)(d)–32(4)(c)  All of the required policies are already accessible on the school website. These are likely to be updated when relevant staff are recruited to positions of responsibility within the school. Currently, policies refer to the executive headteacher and other leaders within the proprietor’s group of schools.  Contact details for the proprietor are clearly available on the school website.  Leaders have a well-established template to report pupils’ performance to parents on a regular basis.  It is unlikely that the school will receive any funding from local authorities, so processes to report this are unlikely to be needed.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The complaints policy is published on the school website and complies with the

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Main inspection findings

requirements of the independent school standards.  There is the ability to make an informal complaint before embarking on the formal complaints process. There are clear timescales throughout the policy.  Should a panel be required to hear a complaint, it will include at least one independent person. Complainants will have the right to be accompanied at any panel hearing.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor has current and relevant experience of successfully operating similar independent schools in the United Kingdom.  Leaders from other schools operated by the proprietor, along with the proprietor’s officers, have made great strides in making sure this school will be ready to open and that all of the independent school standards are likely to be met.  The headteacher designate has been appointed and will take up her role in April 2023, prior to the school’s planned opening in August 2023. Other leaders have yet to be appointed, but it is likely that the proprietor will appoint leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully operate the school and boarding provision.  Policies already in place show that leaders are likely to promote pupils’ well-being  There are clear systems of governance in place to hold leaders to account and

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Main inspection findings

monitor the quality of provision at the school.  School leaders have ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that is fit for purpose and is likely to comply with Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Main inspection findings

Boarding provision The likely effectiveness of leaders and managers to ensure that the national minimum standards are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

 The proprietor has relevant experience in operating successful boarding schools in the United Kingdom.  Arrangements for mealtimes and recreation times are likely to be appropriate and meet the requirements of the national minimum standards. For example, there will be gym on site and a range of sports to participate in.  In the development of the school, the proprietor has responded quickly to findings from asbestos, fire and legionella risk assessments, showing a determination to make the premises suitable.  The proprietor has experience helping and protecting pupils who are from overseas, including through guardianship arrangements. It is likely that this will be the case in this new school if processes are replicated and appropriate leaders are appointed.  The national minimum standards for boarding schools are likely to be met for the reduced number of pupils recommended by inspectors.

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standards for boarding schools

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards'), the national minimum standards for boarding schools and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

Social care unique reference number 2713058

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school. The inspection of boarding provision was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for boarding schools.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent boarding school

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Proposed school details

Proprietor Oxford International School Limited

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Proposed school details

Headteacher Andrew Gillespie (Executive headteacher)

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £24,170 to £26,238

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (boarders) £44,120 to £46,188

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Proposed school details

Email address andrew.gillespie@doverbroecks.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 13 to 19 13 to 19 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 300 178

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n

 The boarding provision is only currently suitable for 178 pupils until further remedial, maintenance and building work is completed. Inspectors would be happy to approve 178 boarders and an additional 122 day pupils at this stage. However, the school does not plan to admit such a high proportion of day pupils.

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 300

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable Nil

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of boarders on roll Not applicable 300

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable TBC

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable TBC

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable TBC

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 28

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable N/A

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable TBC

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located on the outskirts of Brighton in East Sussex on a site that was formerly a residential special school and more recently a language school.  The school proposes to open in August 2023 and cater for up to 300 students. These will be almost exclusively students from overseas who will board at the school. The school knows it will need to obtain a Tier 4 registration for this purpose. The school also plans to admit a small number of day pupils from the local area.  The purpose of the school is to enable pupils to gain places at a range of top universities in England.  The school does not plan to have any specialist provision for pupils with SEND, beyond the provision of small classes and appropriate access arrangements for examinations.  The proprietorial company is part of Nord Anglia Education which operates 77 independent schools within the UK and in 30 countries around the world. The UK

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Information about this proposed school

registered schools are D’Overbroeck’s, Oxford International College, and Oxford 6th Form College.

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Information about this inspection

 This pre-registration inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education to determine if the school was ready to open.  This was the first pre-registration visit and was requested nine months before the school plans to admit pupils. This is to allow time for the school to gain Tier 4 status to admit pupils from overseas.  Inspectors toured the school site and met with leaders from other schools within the Oxford International School Limited group. This included the executive principal, who is overseeing the set up of the new school until the principal elect takes up her position in April 2023.  The lead inspector held an online meeting with the chair and other members of the proprietorial board.  Inspectors evaluated a wide range of documentary evidence, including plans, policies and risk assessments. The Social Care Regulatory Inspector scrutinised further documentation and had additional correspondence with school leaders in the week

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Inspection team

Lee Selby, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Inspection team

Chris Peel Social Care Regulatory Inspector

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Inspection team

Ch guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Inspection team

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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