Lord's School

School progress monitoring inspection report

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Lord’s School Brooklyn, Green Lane, Bolton, Bolton, Lancashire BL3 2EF

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1) to 2(1)(b)(i), 2(2) to 2(2)(a)  These independent school standards (the standards) were identified as unmet at the previous standard inspection in June 2024. Inspectors found that the curriculum did not enable pupils to experience all of the required areas of learning. Pupils did not benefit from structured physical education (PE) that built their knowledge and skills over time. In some subjects, the curriculum was not designed well enough to meet the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The lack of curriculum guidance made it difficult for teachers to know what should be taught and when. Inspectors found that some pupils with SEND did not achieve well as a result.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in January 2025, it was judged that it would be unlikely that this standard would be met if the action plan was implemented.

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Main inspection findings

This was because there was not enough detail in the action plan to clarify how the actions listed would ensure that the school would meet the standards by the deadline given by the Department for Education (DfE) of 10 March 2025.  At the time of this progress monitoring inspection, the inspector found that the school had taken steps to address some aspects of the unmet standards linked to the quality of education. The proprietor and the school have reviewed the timetable so that pupils routinely access structured PE lessons. The curriculum plans for PE set out in detail the important knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils should learn. The school has considered the additional needs of pupils to ensure that activities are suitably adapted to cater for their learning and medical needs.  The proprietor and the school have completed a comprehensive review of most of the subjects pupils study in key stages 3 and 4. For most subjects, staff now have the

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Main inspection findings

information that they need about what to teach and when.  However, the school has not ensured that curriculum plans are in place for key stage 2, key stage 5, or for aesthetic and creative education in key stages 3 and 4. At the time of this inspection, there were no pupils on roll at the school in key stage 2 or key stage 5. Even so, the lack of curriculum plans for these areas means that the school does not meet the relevant standards.  These requirements of this part of the standards remain unmet. Paragraphs 2(2)(d) to 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(ii) to 2(2)(e)(iii) and 2(2)(i)  At the time of the previous standard inspection, inspectors found that the school did not encourage respect for others with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.  Since its previous standard inspection, the proprietor and the school hasreviewed its approach to teaching about the protected characteristics. Pupils now receive discrete

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Main inspection findings

teaching about the protected characteristics and they value the differences that may exist between people.  At the time of the previous standard inspection, inspectors found that provision for careers education was weak. The careers programme was not well thought out. Pupils had limited opportunities to participate in work experience and they lacked the information that they needed to make well-informed decisions about their next steps in education, employment or training.  Since its previous standard inspection, the proprietor and the school has reviewed and enhanced the programme of careers education that it provides to pupils. The school ensures that pupils receive timely information about their next steps. This includes independent careers advice, encounters with employers across a range of professions and with post-16 providers. Pupils benefit from well-matched and meaningful work experience. Typically, pupils move on to appropriate next steps, which include further

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Main inspection findings

education, apprenticeships or employment with training.  These requirements of this part of the standards are now met. Paragraphs 2A(1), 2A(1)(b) and 2A(1)(d) to 2A(1)(g)  These standards were identified as unmet at the previous standard inspection in June 2024. Inspectors found that pupils in key stage 4 did not receive relationships and sex education (RSE). They missed out on important learning about how to keep themselves safe. In addition, there was no RSE policy and a lack of information provided for parents and carers about the content of the RSE curriculum.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in January 2025, it was judged that the actions proposed by the school were not likely to help it meet the standards because the success criteria were not measurable.  At the time of this progress monitoring inspection, the inspector found that the school had successfully designed and implemented its policy for RSE. This policy is made

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Main inspection findings

available to parents and makes it clear that they have a right to withdraw their child from non-statutory parts of the curriculum. The school’s curriculum for RSE has been set out clearly. The school ensures that parents are consulted on the content of this curriculum. During this inspection, pupils talked to the inspector with clarity about how to keep themselves safe and the signs of a healthy relationship.  These requirements of this part of the standards are now met. Paragraphs 3, 3(b) and 3(c)  These standards were identified as unmet at the previous standard inspection in June 2024. Inspectors found that some staff lacked the subject knowledge that they needed to deliver the curriculum in some subjects consistently well. Some staff did not identify and address pupils’ misconceptions or gaps in their knowledge.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in January 2025, it was judged that the

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Main inspection findings

actions proposed by the school were not likely to help the school meet the standards in this part. This is because the success criteria did not set out the timescales for completion. There was insufficient detail to show how the actions would improve pupils’ motivation or enable teachers to deliver well-planned lessons using effective teaching methods.  At the time of this progress monitoring inspection, the proprietor had made sure that teaching staff and support staff have accessed relevant training to build their subject knowledge and to enhance their understanding of the specific needs of some pupils with SEND. This has helped them to deliver the curriculum successfully so that most pupils, including those with SEND, achieve well. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to their studies. They are well motivated by the activities that staff design for them.  In addition, the proprietor has successfully overseen the design and implementation of a

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Main inspection findings

new assessment policy. Staff have received training so that they are now able to make checks on what pupils know and remember effectively.  These requirements of this part of the standards are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraphs 5 to 5(b)(vii)  At the school’s standard inspection in June 2024, the standards in this part were unmet. Inspectors found that pupils did not learn enough about the world we live in and how to keep themselves safe. Pupils in key stage 4 did not learn about fundamental British values, different faiths or cultures. Inspectors found that pupils were not prepared well for life in modern Britain.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in January 2025, it was judged that it would be unlikely that these standards would be met if the action plan was implemented. The school proposed to hold class discussions about a range of topics but these were not made clear. It proposed to appoint pupil leaders, including class representatives, and to support charities. However, it was unclear how these actions would support the development of pupils’ self-knowledge, self-esteem and confidence or

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Main inspection findings

increase their understanding of British values.  At the time of this progress monitoring inspection, the school had reviewed its programme to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils are now better prepared for life in modern Britain. For example, pupils learn to value the differences that may exist between people and they demonstrate respect for other faiths and cultures. Pupils are given opportunities to make a positive contribution to the community. For example, they raise money for local charities and make donations to a hospice and a food bank.  In addition, pupils make the most of opportunities to take on responsibilities such as enterprise leaders, which help them to learn how to manage a business and to develop their ability to manage finances.  These standards are now met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7 to 7(b), 32(1), 32(1)(c)  These parts of the standards were met at the school’s standard inspection in June 2024.  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable safeguarding policy in place and that this is published on the school’s website. The policy has regard to the appropriate statutory guidance.  There are secure procedures in place for staff to report any concerns about a pupil’s welfare. The school communicates effectively with other agencies and professionals, such as the local authority, to ensure that pupils are safe.  The school ensures that all staff receive regular safeguarding training. This helps staff to recognise when pupils may be at risk of harm.  All new staff receive an appropriate induction programme, safeguarding training and regular updates on areas, such as radicalisation and extremism and online safety.  During this inspection, pupils told the inspector that they felt safe in school. They

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Main inspection findings

reported that they can talk to members of staff if they have any worries and they trust them to help.  The standards in these parts continue to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34 to 34(1)(b)  At the school’s standard inspection in June 2024, all of the standards in this part were unmet. The proprietor had not ensured that the standards were consistently and securely met. This is because the proprietor lacked the understanding of what was required to ensure that the standards were met securely and consistently. The proprietor had not held the school to account for the quality of education that pupils receive.  When the school’s action plan was evaluated in January 2025, it was judged that it would be unlikely that this standard would be met if the action plan was implemented. The school proposed to retrain leaders and to make regular checks on the standards. It proposed to promote anti-bullying and provide pupils with time to speak to staff about any issues. It also proposed that it would work closely with the local authority networks

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Main inspection findings

for safeguarding and SEND to increase the quality of its work for pupils. However, it was not clear in the action plan how these actions would support leaders and the proprietor to develop their knowledge of the standards or ensure ongoing compliance.  This inspection identified that some of the standards in relation to the quality of education remain unmet. The school has not set out the subject curriculum plans for key stages 2 and 5. The proprietor was not aware that the standards required the school to put in place plans for these key stages, even though the school had no pupils on roll at key stages 2 and 5 at the time of this inspection. Additionally, the school has not designed an appropriate curriculum for pupils’ aesthetic and creative education at key stages 3 and 4. As a result, pupils do not routinely benefit from their entitlement to a broad curriculum experience. The school has not demonstrated that it has fulfilled its

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Main inspection findings

responsibilities effectively so that the standards are met consistently.  These requirements of the standards in this part remain unmet. Paragraph 34(1)(c)  At the time of this progress monitoring inspection, the proprietor and the school had reviewed the way they actively promote pupils’ well-being. This requirement of the standards was unmet at the last standard inspection in June 2024.  The school has reviewed and re-written many of the subject curriculums for key stages 3 and 4. In addition, the proprietor has taken the necessary steps to ensure that pupils have access to an appropriate programme of PE and personal, social, health and economic education. This includes access to a programme of careers education and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  This requirement of the standards in this part is now met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school does not meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection, as set out in the annex of this report. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(d) personal, social, health and economic education which- – 2(2)(d)(i) reflects the school’s aim and ethos; and – 2(2)(d)(ii) encourages respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act[9]; – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career – options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential; – 2(2)(i) effective preparation of pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in British society.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(b) ensures that every registered pupil who is provided with secondary education at the school is provided with relationships and sex education, except in so far as the pupil

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

is excused as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(e) makes and keeps up to date a separate written statement of its policy with regard to the provision of education as required by each of paragraphs (a) and (b), – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(b) fosters in pupils’ self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time.

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

 5 The standard about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at the school is met if the proprietor- – 5(a) actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; – 5(b) ensures that principles are actively promoted which- – 5(b)(i) enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self confidence; – 5(b)(ii) enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England; – 5(b)(iii) encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality in which the school is situated and to society more widely; – 5(b)(iv) enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public

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Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils

institutions and services in England; – 5(b)(v) further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; – 5(b)(vi) encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the 2010 Act; and – 5(b)(vii) encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 6. Provision of information

 32(1) The standard about the provision of information by the school is met if the proprietor ensures that– – 32(1)(a) the information specified in sub-paragraph (2) is provided to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector[14], the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate[15]; – 32(1)(b) the information specified in sub-paragraph (3) is made available to parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils and, on request, to the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or an independent inspectorate;  32(2) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(2)(d) a statement of the school’s ethos (including any religious ethos) and aims.  32(3) The information specified in this sub-paragraph is- – 32(3)(c) particulars of the policy referred to in paragraph 2.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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School details

Of which, number on roll in sixth form 0

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £4,800 to £7,800

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 11 and 13 June 2024

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Information about this school

 The school is located at Brooklyn, Green Lane, Bolton, Lancashire BL3 2EF.  The school does not make use of any alternative provision.  The school’s most recent standard inspection was on 11 to 13 June 2024.  At the time of this inspection, there were no pupils in key stage 2 or in the sixth form.  The school is registered to admit up to 70 pupils.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous inspection.  The school’s most recent standard inspection took place on 11 to 13 June 2024. At this inspection, the school was judged to not comply with the standards.  The DfE required the school to prepare an action plan. This plan was statutory. Ofsted evaluated this action plan in January 2025. The DfE rejected this action plan in January 2025.  This was the first progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection in June 2024.  This progress monitoring inspection was conducted without notice.  The inspector spoke with the headteacher. He also spoke with the proprietor.  The inspector spoke with leaders about the curriculum, assessment and provision for

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Information about this inspection

pupils with SEND.  The inspector reviewed a range of documentation, including that related to the standards and the curriculum.  The inspection also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central register of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the independent school standards are met.  The inspector made a tour of the school. This included visits to lessons.  The inspector spoke with pupils about their experiences of school life. He observed pupils’ behaviour during lessons and around the school.  The inspector spoke with staff about their workload and well-being.

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Inspection team

Andy Cunningham, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector

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The school does not meet the following independent school standards

Standards that were not met at the previous inspection and remain un-met at this inspection

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub- paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan.  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently. 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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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