Holme Court School Devon

Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 1 Holme Court School Devon College Road, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5HJ

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school's likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider'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.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor oversees a group of independent schools including nurseries, prep schools and all-through schools with accommodation for boarders. The group includes two registered independent special schools and has four more in development, of which Holme Court Devon is one. The proprietor proposes that this school will cater for pupils aged 7-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, including needs relating to neurodiversity. Leaders anticipate that some pupils will have speech, language and communication needs and have planned for this. They expect that all pupils will have education, health and care (EHC) plans and will be funded by their local authority. Leaders within the group have experience working with pupils with this profile of need.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

To accommodate the proposed school, the proprietor has repurposed a detached boarding house in the grounds of a college within the group. The premises includes staff accommodation for a small number of staff from the proposed Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 2 school. The proprietor has made appropriate arrangements for the strategic oversight and local management of safeguarding. This includes assembling a local safeguarding team and plans for a suitable programme of training for newly appointed staff, with consideration of the specific vulnerabilities that pupils may have.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has consulted with parents and carers and local area leaders to gain assurances that the proposed school will help to meet the needs of pupils in the local area. Leaders at the group level have experience of ensuring that the independent school standards are met in a range of educational settings. The proprietor has appointed a headteacher who is a qualified special educational needs coordinator. Clear line management arrangements are in place to ensure that the headteacher will receive appropriate support and challenge from a senior leader who oversees the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) across the group. The proprietor has appointed a SEND advisory board. The board has two members one of whom is the chair of governors for the proposed school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders intend to stagger the intake of pupils over a three-year period as the school grows to full size. They have begun to recruit teaching and support staff for the first phase of admission of up to 15 pupils in the first year. Leaders will recruit in the local area for a team of therapy staff, to include commissioned services such as speech and language therapy and educational psychology. The proprietor plans to increase the number of pupils admitted to 30 in the second year and 50 in the third. There is sufficient capacity within the leadership of the group and the premises to support these plans.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school is registered.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The proposed school will offer the National Curriculum in an adapted form. Pupils will follow a core curriculum which includes English, mathematics and science. In key stages 2 and 3, this will emphasise learning to read, write and speak fluently and understand mathematical language and ideas. The curriculum will include wider learning in history, geography, religious education, art, music, drama and information and communication technology. In key stage 4, the curriculum will focus on ensuring that pupils gain appropriate qualifications in English, mathematics and science. Pupils will be able to pursue accreditation in up to 3 further subjects, including history, geography and art. Leaders intend that the curriculum will be delivered in a flexible way, considering pupils’ individual needs Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 3 and aspirations. Teachers will tailor the way that curriculum time is shared

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Curriculum and Teaching

between subjects. The curriculum will help to prepare pupils for adulthood by including opportunities to develop life skills and learn about the world of work and careers. Leaders are committed to ensuring that no pupil leaves the school without an onward placement in education, employment or training.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The proprietor has arranged an online platform to support the delivery of personal, social, health and economic education. This includes content on relationships, sex and health education, as appropriate to the age of pupils. Leaders plan to adapt the delivery of important and sensitive topics for teaching in small groups or to individuals in a responsive way.

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Curriculum and Teaching

The proprietor has ensured that schemes of work and other supporting resources are in place to support the delivery of the planned curriculum. These include suggested adaptations for pupils with different starting points. Leaders intend that teachers will refine the curriculum further to meet pupils’ individual needs. The school’s curriculum is designed to promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values.

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Assessment

Leaders recognise the importance of having up-to-date, accurate information about what pupils know and can do when they join the school. They plan to use a range of assessment tools to build a complete picture. They will prioritise checking for gaps in speech, language and communication as well as reading, writing and mathematics and social and emotional development. Leaders intend to use their own checks, alongside any information from previous educational settings to shape the curriculum and pastoral provision for each pupil.

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Assessment

Once pupils begin following the school’s curriculum, the proprietor intends that their work will be assessed in an ongoing way, with periodic reporting on the standards that they have achieved. The school’s assessment policy includes a statement that pupils will receive timely, constructive feedback which helps them to know how to improve.

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Assessment

The proposed school is likely to meet the standards in this part if the DfE registers the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the promotion of fundamental British values is built into the school’s curriculum policy and plans. There will be opportunities for Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 4 pupils to learn about people from different cultures and backgrounds and those with different beliefs. Leaders understand the importance of presenting pupils with balanced information.

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pupils

The curriculum will include specialist elements designed to address pupils’ special educational needs directly. For example, pupils will follow a programme to support their social and emotional development. The proprietor intends that pupils with needs related to neurodiversity will learn to understand themselves and gain confidence as a result.

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pupils

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has ensured sufficient capacity and expertise to support the development and oversight of a robust culture of safeguarding. Leaders who will hold safeguarding responsibilities have considerable experience working within the local context. They have an appropriate understanding of the possible risks in pupils’ lives and about additional risks faced by pupils with vulnerabilities. They have already accessed training with the local authority and are familiar with the reporting and referral systems they will use. Leaders understand their responsibility to share information with the appropriate authorities when managing allegations about staff.

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Safeguarding

Leaders have assessed the potential safeguarding challenges that could be associated with the premises. They have carefully considered a range of site- specific risks and made adaptations to reduce these. For example, leaders can clearly articulate how they will manage any access to parts of the wider site shared with the college. The proprietor has established an open culture in which leaders are receptive to challenge. They work together to promote the wellbeing and safety of pupils.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has set out clear expectations in a policy covering behaviour and discipline. They recognise that pupils with SEND may require reasonable adjustments to meet the school’s expectations. Nonetheless, the proprietor sets clear boundaries and has made arrangements for the recording of behaviour incidents, including any use of reasonable force. All such incidents will be communicated to parents. Leaders can articulate how they will use their records to learn from incidents and tailor the support provided to individual pupils so that their behaviour improves. Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 5

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor has carefully considered the risk of bullying and has set out the arrangements for reducing this risk in a clear anti-bullying policy. Pupils will learn about bullying and the different forms it can take as part of the PSHE curriculum. Staff training will be used to develop staff understanding of the reasons why bullying behaviours might happen and to highlight how they can be vigilant in noticing unkind behaviours. Leaders intend to record all examples, including allegations of bullying, to support their strategic oversight.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The building that will house the proposed school has been in continuous use by the group as a boarding house. As such, a health and safety policy has been established and implemented consistently over time. The group holds records of checks and maintenance activities carried out, for example, covering the kitchen, gardens, lighting and water safety.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The premises has an appropriate fire system. Due regard for fire risks is apparent throughout the premises which are equipped with suitable fire safety equipment which is regularly checked. An up-to-date fire risk assessment considering the building’s conversion to a day school has been arranged to take place prior to the admission of pupils.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has a comprehensive first aid policy. This provides for the training of staff and the keeping of detailed records. The proposed school is equipped with first aid boxes situated in the locations outlined in the policy.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor provides an information management system which leaders will use to record admissions and monitor pupils’ attendance. Leaders understand that poor attendance may indicate a safeguarding concern. They have accessed training which has developed their understanding of attendance challenges in the local area. Leaders intend to track patterns and trends in the attendance of individual pupils to inform the right support.

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Risk assessment

Leaders identify and assess risks effectively. Their experience managing the building and the wider grounds in which the proposed school will be situated means that their awareness of risk is well developed. Many risks have already been anticipated and planned for. For example, leaders have considered how they Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 6 will safely manage pupils’ access to facilities at the college. Leaders have identified that pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs may mean that they will benefit from individualised risk assessments to keep them and others safe. This practice is established within the group and will be implemented in the proposed school.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The proprietor provides administrative support for recruitment checks at a group level. The appropriate vetting checks were made when the chair of the proprietor body, two governors and the headteacher were appointed. Personnel files show that the proprietor has established safe practices for recruiting new staff.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

A single central register has been populated for the proposed school. This provides a clear and accurate record of recruitment checks, including the date checks were made. Once the proposed school opens, recruitment checks will be carried out and recorded by the local safeguarding team, overseen by the school’s designated safeguarding lead. The group provides a compliance officer, who will check that the record of vetting checks consistently meets the requirements of part 4.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

The premises includes ample shower, changing and toilet facilities on each of the two floors. There are nine individual shower units. Toilets are situated in individual cubicles. These will be designated for separate use by boys and girls on each floor. Two rooms have ensuite toilet facilities which will support pupils with personal care needs and/or health conditions. All toilets have access to hot and cold water. The temperature of the water does not present a scalding risk. Leaders understand that drinking water must be marked as such and have made arrangements for signage to be refreshed as the building changes purpose. Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 7

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils' therapy needs

The premises is well equipped for the provision of first aid and can accommodate pupils who become sick or injured comfortably. Two ensuite facilities will be used for isolation and treatment. These feature sick beds and have water, toilet and bathing access close to hand. The school office houses first aid equipment and is adjacent to a bathroom facility. Pupils receiving first aid can be treated in a private space, supporting their welfare and dignity.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor ensures a cleaning and maintenance team keep the premises clean and in good working order. Pathways around the building that will house the school are clear. The proprietor makes use of specialist contractors to ensure that the health and safety policy is implemented consistently. Leaders hold recent records of risk assessments covering legionella, food hygiene as well as fire and electrical safety.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The rooms intended for use as classrooms have good access to natural light, ceiling lights and blinds and suitable acoustics for teaching. These provide pleasant, airy conditions for learning in small groups. The premises also features numerous smaller rooms and breakout spaces, where lighting can be adjusted to support pupils with sensory needs.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has identified a safe, lawned area which pupils will access as outdoor space. They have made arrangements to install a perimeter fence to protect and clearly demarcate this area within the wider grounds of the college. Access to this space will be through the school building only. The designated area is suitable for recreation, including games. Leaders intend that pupils will share facilities with the college during physical education lessons. These include a sports hall and athletics track. There are appropriate risk assessments in place for the college facilities which will be supplemented by individual risk assessments for each pupil.

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Outdoor space

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 8 The proprietor provides a website for the school where all required statutory information will be published. This was viewable at the time of the inspection, although not yet published. It includes the policies and information that must be made available to parents and carers. Leaders understand their responsibilities for providing information to the local authority relating to the funding of pupils with EHC plans and looked after children. They articulate a commitment to working in an open and collaborative way with local authorities who commission places at the school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has established a complaints policy across the group which will be implemented in the proposed school. This has been reviewed and adapted for this specific school. The school’s complaints policy meets the requirements of part 7 in principle.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school is likely to meet all the standards in this part if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school's accessibility plan

The proposed school has an accessibility plan which complies with the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010. This demonstrates an appropriate commitment to ensuring that the school is inclusive in its approach to providing information and a curriculum that all pupils can access fully and successfully. Leaders have considered how well the premises can accommodate disabled persons. Their plans recognise that the school building is not equipped with a lift. Leaders can articulate how disabled pupils will be accommodated on the ground floor. Each of the school’s two floors offers equal access to classrooms, smaller rooms for sensory work and interventions, providing assurance that a quality curriculum and pastoral experience can be maintained should a disabled pupil be limited to the ground floor.

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The inspector 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. Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 9 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.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the chair for the proprietor, the chair of governors, the head of SEND for the group, the headteacher for the proposed school and the headteacher of the adjacent college, also within the group. The inspector reviewed the premises, held discussions with leaders and considered a range of documentary evidence related to the school’s proposed curriculum and policies.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and needs related to neurodiversity. It is expected that all pupils will have EHC plans.

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About this inspection

Pupils will be based at the following address: Holme Court School Devon, College Road, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5HJ. This site is shared with Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5HJ, which is also part of the Inspired Learning Group.

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Chair of the proprietor body

Type of school Other independent special school

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disabilities on roll

Provider's proposal: 50 Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 10

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider's proposal: 7-16

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider's proposal: Mixed

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider's proposal: 0

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teaching staff

Email address clare@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk Holme Court School Devon, 3 July 2026 11 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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teaching staff

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