Apex Secondary School for Boys

School pre-registration inspection report

p.1

Apex Secondary School for Boys 287 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4UA

p.1

Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided All paragraphs  At the proposed school’s previous pre-registration inspection, some of the paragraphs in this part of the independent school standards (the standards) were judged not to be met. Since then, the school has completed additional work on the curriculum proposals.  The school now has a clear curriculum policy that reflects the curriculum pupils will follow. This curriculum is broad, as required by the standards. For example, in addition to English, mathematics and science, pupils will also study history, geography, physical education (PE), Arabic, computing and business studies, religious education (RE), Islamic studies, citizenship and art. The school has developed schemes of work in these subjects for all year groups. The school has also invested in suitable resources to support the delivery of the intended curriculum.  The school’s curriculum considers pupils’ different ages and abilities. This includes

p.1

Main inspection findings

provision for any pupils who may have special educational needs and/or disabilities or an education, health and care plans (EHC plan). There are systems to assess pupils’ prior knowledge when they join the school. Staff will adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils. The school has an appropriate assessment policy and systems to check pupils’ knowledge and skills as they progress through the curriculum. Leaders have also developed a suitable format to report pupils’ progress to parents and carers.  The school is now in a much stronger position to deliver its planned curriculum. It has already recruited some subject-specialist staff to deliver the curriculum. There is also a suitable training programme in place to support these staff. Proposed staff numbers are appropriate for the size of the school. Classrooms are well equipped to deliver the intended curriculum, and the school has invested in suitable resources to support

p.1

Main inspection findings

teachers and pupils.  The school has planned a suitable curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This includes age-appropriate relationships and sex education. The curriculum pays due regard to fundamental British values and equality.  Since the last pre-registration inspection, the school has developed detailed plans on how it intends to provide pupils with regular careers information, advice and guidance. These plans include the provision of unbiased and up-to-date careers information. This will support pupils with their next steps in education or the world of work.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils All paragraphs  The proposed school has a planned curriculum for personal development which includes weekly PSHE lessons for all year groups. The school plans to enhance these

p.1

Main inspection findings

lessons with weekly assemblies, guest speakers and a range of educational visits. All pupils will also study RE and learn about a range of different faiths. The school aims to encourage all pupils to respect differences and be well prepared for life in modern Britain.  The school plans to organise enrichment activities, including clubs and a school council. It also plans for pupils to take part in sport competitions with local schools.  Leaders are aware of their duty to ensure teachers, guests and visitors do not present partisan political views. Leaders plan to train staff on how to present balanced points of view. They will conduct thorough checks on guest speakers and will vet any materials prior to the guest coming onto the school’s site.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils All paragraphs

p.2

Main inspection findings

 At the previous pre-registration inspection, some of the paragraphs in this part were judged not to be met. Since then, the proposed school has completed further work on compliance with fire safety legislation and on the risk assessment policy and procedures.  The school’s safeguarding policy is appropriate and reflects the most up-to-date statutory guidance. The proposed processes to identify, track and manage safeguarding concerns are likely to be effective when implemented. The safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website.  Leaders who hold roles of responsibility for safeguarding have completed appropriate training and demonstrate secure knowledge of their role and statutory responsibilities. There is a clear management structure in place to oversee the work of the safeguarding team.  The school’s plans to supervise pupils are likely to be appropriate. There is a schedule to ensure pupils will be supervised at breaktimes and lunchtimes and when moving

p.2

Main inspection findings

between the different floors in the school. This includes when using communal spaces, which, at other times, may be used by pupils from the girls’ school that is proposed to operate in the same building.  The school’s admission and attendance registers are likely to be compliant with the requirements of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.  The school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are clear and, if implemented well, are likely to be effective. Leaders have a clear process in place to record sanctions.  The school’s health and safety policy is appropriate. The local authority has granted the change of purpose certificate for the building to operate as a school. The building is well maintained and clean.  The school commissioned an independent fire risk assessment. Inspectors reviewed this report and its recommendations. Leaders have addressed all the actions that were

p.2

Main inspection findings

recommended. The school also commissions external specialists to obtain relevant certificates for emergency lighting and electrics and gas compliance across the building.  The school has a suitable first-aid policy and an appropriate number of staff have received first-aid training. The processes for managing and recording accidents are likely to be suitable.  The school has a suitable risk assessment policy and written risk assessments. The risk assessment policy is detailed and fit for purpose. Appropriate written risk assessments of regular activities, for example PE at the local leisure centre, were seen by inspectors during the inspection.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors All paragraphs  At the previous pre-registration inspection, the proposed school’s single central record

p.3

Main inspection findings

was incomplete. It did not include information about prohibition from management checks for trustees nor barred list checks for staff.  The proposed school’s single central record is now up to date. It includes relevant checks for all staff already recruited, including trustees from Apex Trust. Leaders have completed all the required checks on staff and trustees, which are all recorded on the single central record. These checks also include those missing previously.  Staff involved in recruitment have now received appropriate training, and they make sure that all required checks are completed and recorded accurately on the single central record.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools All paragraphs  The proposed school’s facilities are appropriate for their intended use. The building has recently been converted from an office space into a school and is well maintained.

p.3

Main inspection findings

There are sufficient classrooms and toilets to accommodate the planned number of pupils.  The classrooms benefit from natural light and are also well lit. Classrooms are large enough to accommodate groups of up to 25 pupils. There is sufficient external lighting around the building.  Drinking-water is readily available throughout the building, and it is clearly marked. The toilet facilities have hot and cold running water, with safeguards in place to prevent scalding.  There is suitable outdoor space for pupils to play. The school is conveniently located next to a communal park and a short distance from a local leisure centre. Leaders intend to use both these sites for breaktimes and PE lessons.  There is a suitable medical room that is situated close to washing and toilet facilities.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 6. Provision of information

p.3

Main inspection findings

All paragraphs  The proposed school has a dedicated website for the secondary school found within the trust’s main website. This page includes all necessary information required by the standards, such as policies and the names and contact details of both the headteacher and the chair of the trust.  Leaders are aware of their statutory duties to provide relevant information to placing local authorities and parents and carers should pupils with EHC plans attend the proposed school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled All paragraphs  The proposed school has a comprehensive complaints policy that fulfils the requirements of this part. Leaders have prepared a log to record both informal and formal complaints.  If implemented well, leaders’ proposed procedure is likely to ensure that informal and

p.4

Main inspection findings

formal complaints are managed appropriately.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools All paragraphs  At the previous pre-registration inspection, the paragraphs in this part were not likely to be met fully and consistently. However, since that time, leaders and trustees have addressed the issues raised by the previous pre-registration inspection.  Leaders at both the proposed school and trust have substantial experience in education. The trust operates an independent primary school and is well acquainted with the standards. Leaders and trustees have taken steps to address the standards that were previously not likely to be met. This shows that they have the knowledge and skills to ensure the standards can be consistently met. Leaders and trustees also have a good understanding of their duties to promote the safety and well-being of

p.4

Main inspection findings

pupils in their school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  Leaders have a suitable accessibility policy and plan in place.  This requirement is likely to be met if the proposed school is granted permission to open.

p.5

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

p.6

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.

p.7

Proposed school details

Email address contact@apexsecondary.co.uk

p.7

recommendation

Age range of pupils Not applicable 11 to 16 Not applicable Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 125 Not applicable

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Not applicable Boys Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 125

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0 Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 25

p.7

School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 5

p.8

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 5

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 5

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 5

p.8

School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 1

p.8

Information about this proposed school

 This proposed school has an Islamic ethos. It will cater for boys aged 11 to 16. The proprietor body plans to operate this school and another proposed school, Apex Secondary School for Girls, from the same building. The proprietor body plans to initially open both schools to pupils in Years 7 to 9 only.  The school is located at 287 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, IG1 4UA.  The school does not intend to make use of alternative provision.  The proprietor body also operates Apex Primary School, which is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

p.8

Information about this inspection

 This was the proposed school’s second pre-registration inspection. It was conducted in parallel with a pre-registration inspection for Apex Secondary School for Girls. The inspection was conducted with two days’ notice.  The school’s previous pre-registration inspection was conducted on 21 August 2024.  Inspectors met with the headteacher, the assistant headteacher and other staff. Inspectors also met with the chair of the proprietor body and a member of the trust.  Inspectors toured the premises and considered a range of evidence to check the likelihood of the proposed school meeting the standards.

p.9

Inspection team

Mark Smith, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

p.9

Inspection team

Christian Hicks His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.9

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.

p.10

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 .

p.10

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.

p.10

Inspection team

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.10

Inspection team

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspection team

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.10