Summary
Richard Jones (lead), Shakera Mirza
What we read, and from where
Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.
- Inspectors verified
Richard Jones, Shakera Mirza
- Postcode verified
DN20 8EF
- Name on report verified
Hestia School
- URN verified
135247
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
In line with other reports of this type.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No standout praise found.
Concerns
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No strong criticism found.
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Teaching & assessment2
“An external fire risk assessment is in place.” p.2
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 6
- Words of findings
- 938
- about usual (typical 1049)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 45, typical 45
- Average sentence
- 15 words
- Next steps
- 1
- typical 5
- Hedged sentences
- 0%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Hestia School, 9 July 2026 1 Hestia School Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8EF
p.1
report:
Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented.
p.1
report:
This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending.
p.1
report:
The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.
p.1
Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools
When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school's likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.
p.1
Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools
The leadership team have a clear understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the independent school standards (the standards). The school's systems and processes enable leaders to conduct quality assurance activities. These are aligned to check the impact of policies and approaches to learning on pupils. Leaders closely monitor the safeguarding arrangements in place to ensure they align with safeguarding requirements. The proprietor has ensured that the school has the leadership capacity and capability to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers and to continue to meet all of the standards consistently. Hestia School, 9 July 2026 2 The proposed increase in pupil numbers will be accommodated within the school’s existing premises. The buildings have ample classroom space and the necessary resources. The school is compliant with all health, safety and fire regulations.
p.1
Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools
The standard checked in this part is likely to continue to be met should the material change be approved.
p.2
Safeguarding
The school has a safeguarding team, including designated safeguarding leads. They are knowledgeable and tenacious in fulfilling their roles. They work effectively with stakeholders and external agencies. Records of safeguarding concerns are recorded on the school's chosen system. These are monitored and meticulously checked to ensure entries meet the standards leaders have trained staff to fulfil. The team shares pertinent information with staff and provides training on statutory responsibilities, local context and how to use the school system effectively. The proprietor, directors and leaders carry out routine reviews of safeguarding systems, policies and practices.
p.2
Health, safety and fire
The school has a suitable structured health and safety policy. This is accessible on the school's website. The policy supports the school to be compliant with the standards for the health and safety of pupils and staff. Regular audits and monitoring take place so that any required remedial action can be taken in a timely manner. The school places safety at the heart of its core purpose and teaches pupils how to look after their health and safety both on and off-site.
p.2
Health, safety and fire
Fire safety measures are comprehensive and supervised by leaders. An external fire risk assessment is in place. Weekly inspections of fire alarms, fire doors, and emergency lighting help the school stay in compliance with fire safety standards. Fire extinguishers are regularly checked and maintained.
p.2
Health, safety and fire
Staff-to-pupil ratios are high, supporting pupils’ safety and wellbeing. The school has strategies in place to maintain this as pupil numbers grow over time. Leaders have thoughtfully planned how to integrate new pupils into current classes smoothly.
p.2
Risk assessment
The proprietor understands the importance of identifying and mitigating all potential risks. Hestia School, 9 July 2026 3 Leaders have established comprehensive risk assessment procedures applicable to various school activities, including both off-site events and on-site tasks. The current school policy and procedures are sufficient to accommodate the expected increase in student numbers.
p.2
Risk assessment
The standards checked in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material changes are approved.
p.3
The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor
The proprietor ensures essential checks are carried out to confirm staff's suitability to work with children. The school’s safer recruitment policy adheres to statutory guidance. The school has set up procedures to recruit additional staff if required in the future.
p.3
The single central record of these recruitment checks
Leaders maintain a comprehensive and accurate central record that fully meets statutory requirements. All pre-employment checks for the proprietor and staff are documented.
p.3
The single central record of these recruitment checks
The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the material changes are approved.
p.3
and showers
The proprietor maintains the spacious premises to a high standard. There are enough toilets and washing facilities to accommodate the expected increase in pupils. The school provides separate changing facilities and showers for boys and girls. Regular checks are conducted to ensure hot water is kept at a safe temperature. Drinking water is clearly labelled and positioned at accessible taps for pupils.
p.3
Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs
Leaders have chosen an appropriate location for a medical room. The space is accessible and well-equipped to provide short-term medical care for pupils. It is located near toilets and washing facilities. Hestia School, 9 July 2026 4
p.3
Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils
Leaders have made sure that pupils’ health, safety, and welfare are prioritised. The school follows regulations and its health, safety and fire equipment undergo regular maintenance checks.
p.4
Lighting and acoustic conditions
The building and site have appropriate internal lighting and acoustics that support effective learning, along with suitable external lighting to ensure safety.
p.4
Outdoor space
The school has ample outdoor space that is suitable for pupils. The site is large and well-equipped to handle the anticipated growth in pupil numbers. Additionally, the outdoor area is suitable for learning activities, breaks, and physical education.
p.4
About this inspection
Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.
p.4
About this inspection
Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.
p.4
About this inspection
The proprietor has requested a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll from 60 to 90.
p.4
About this inspection
Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school stand- ards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independ- ent School Standards) Regulations 2014.
p.4
About this inspection
The inspectors spoke with the headteacher and the proprietor during the inspection.
p.4
Team inspector
Shakera Mirza Ofsted Inspector Hestia School, 9 July 2026 5
p.4
About this school
Type of school Other independent special school
p.5
compulsory school age on roll
Annual fees for day pupils £35,000 to £47,000
p.5
compulsory school age on roll
Email address hestiainfo@demeterhouse.com Hestia School, 9 July 2026 6 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people
p.5
compulsory school age on roll
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.6
compulsory school age on roll
Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .
p.6
compulsory school age on roll
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.6
Discuss this inspection
Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.
Join the discussion