St Francis’ International Study Centre

St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 1 St Francis’ International Study Centre St Francis’, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3PJ

p.1

report:

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

p.1

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.

p.1

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.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor is Inspired Learning Group. It currently operates 22 independent schools and 9 standalone nurseries. The proposed school will cater for international pupils and sixth-form students who will undertake a British education while developing their proficiency in English.

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor will ensure effective oversight of the school and its provision through the deployment of members of its central staff team. The school will also have an advisory board whose members are experienced in education and have oversight of other independent schools. The proprietor will use the quality assurance systems that are already in place in the proprietor’s other schools. This will enable the proprietor to monitor and evaluate the school’s provision to ensure that the independent school standards (the standards) are met consistently over time. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 2 The proprietor has considered carefully the requirements of the proposed school’s pupils and how to cater for their needs. For example, there will be specialist staff who can guide and support the teaching of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proposed school’s senior leadership team already runs a

p.1

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

successful school. They will lead and manage both schools and have ensured that there is sufficient capacity to do this.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

School staff who are already in post at St Francis College (the partner school) will work across both schools. They have experience of teaching pupils who speak English as an additional language. This staffing will be complemented with additional recruitment where needed. The proprietor has in place a comprehensive training package for staff. This is research informed and accounts for the needs of international pupils and students. There are appropriate systems and procedures in place to look after the welfare and wellbeing of an international cohort.

p.2

Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if it is registered.

p.2

Curriculum

Pupils and sixth-form students will study a broad curriculum which lead to qualifications that promote access to higher or further education. This includes GCSEs, A levels and the extended project qualification. In tandem with this, pupils will further their learning of English. Pupils will have access to a suite of subjects that give them suitable experiences in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, and aesthetic and creative education.

p.2

Curriculum

The curriculum builds progressively. It ensures that pupils will have the necessary foundations for study at the standard required by GCSEs and A levels. The curriculum places a strong focus on the acquisition of subject-specific vocabulary. The proposed school has in place a curriculum for pupils who speak English as an additional language which runs alongside the subject curriculums. This will help the development of pupils’ English language skills. The fundamental British values are suitably woven through the curriculum. For example, in history, pupils will learn about British heritage and society.

p.2

Curriculum

There is an appropriate and well-sequenced personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum that caters for the full age range of pupils. This is complemented with online delivery and specialist resources. The curriculum and its policies fulfil statutory guidance. The proposed school will consult with parents and carers for the delivery of relationships and sex education (RSE). Parents will be briefed in their home language on the content. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 3 Staff will tailor careers education to the needs and aspirations of pupils. Pupils will receive independent careers information, advice and guidance in their home language. Work experience will take place in Years 10 and 12. This will be facilitated through alumni and the international contacts that the partner school has.

p.2

Teaching

The proposed school is clear in its expectations and approaches for the delivery of the curriculum to pupils who will join with varying knowledge of English. There are suitable policies and helpful guidance in place for staff to follow. This also includes how staff will identify and cater for any other additional needs, such as special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

p.3

Teaching

There is careful consideration of how staff will reduce pupils’ barriers to learning. For example, staff will teach pupils how to engage in debate and discussion. They will also teach pupils about British culture and what to expect in RSE sessions so that pupils can access the curriculum fully.

p.3

Teaching

Suitably qualified staff will deliver the curriculum. They will be specialists in the subjects that they teach. The school will provide further support to pupils by learning mentors. The learning mentors will have the knowledge and skills to support international pupils, and those who speak English as an additional language. The proposed school also intends to utilise artificial intelligence to help pupils access the curriculum.

p.3

Teaching

Leaders have a programme of quality assurance activities to check on the quality of teaching. This will inform subsequent training for teachers.

p.3

Assessment

There will be comprehensive assessment of pupils’ starting points. Staff will consider pupils’ linguistic ability as well as their subject knowledge. Informed by these assessments, staff will assign pupils to one of the school’s two curriculum pathways, reflecting how much support and English teaching pupils require. For ongoing assessment of pupils’ achievement, the proposed school will replicate the systems and procedures that are already in place at the partner school.

p.3

Assessment

When pupils study online, the school proposes to use an artificial intelligence assistant which will check how well pupils access online curriculum materials. This will help inform any adjustments staff make.

p.3

Assessment

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 4

p.3

pupils

The curriculum has a strong focus on character education. The tutor programme covers the school’s values of determination, resilience, empowerment, appreciation and motivation in a secure environment. For this element of their learning, international pupils will integrate with peers from the partner school. This will enable pupils across the schools to learn about other cultures and faiths. Pupils will be able to practice their faith and use the onsite chapel if they choose to.

p.4

pupils

The proposed school has thought carefully about how pupils will learn about the protected characteristics. Staff will provide additional teaching to help pupils access this part of the curriculum.

p.4

pupils

The enrichment of the curriculum suitably covers learning about public institutions and services in England. Pupils will undertake visits to broaden their knowledge of these as well as to develop their understanding of British culture. The proposed school knows it is responsible for ensuring that pupils learn free from the promotion of partisan political views. It will ensure this throughout all school activities, including through the teaching of the curriculum and extra-curricular provision.

p.4

pupils

The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if it is registered.

p.4

Safeguarding

The proposed school has comprehensive arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. The school’s safeguarding policy reflects the latest statutory guidance. There is an electronic system in place to record safeguarding concerns. The safeguarding team at the partner school will also have oversight of safeguarding at the proposed school. They are suitably knowledgeable and experienced. They have ensured that they have completed all necessary training and that this remains up to date. The safeguarding team understands the complexities of managing communication and relationships with parents when they live abroad.

p.4

Safeguarding

Staff are well briefed as to how to be vigilant of potential risks that pupils who will be living away from home may face. Additionally, they have ensured that there are a multitude of ways for pupils to share concerns, reducing situations when language may also be barrier to communication.

p.4

Safeguarding

Leaders will provide staff with ongoing safeguarding training throughout the year. This includes regular briefings. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 5 Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe, including when online, through the PSHE curriculum and assemblies.

p.4

Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that suitable policies and procedures are in place for managing pupils’ behaviour. Leaders have implemented an electronic system to record incidents of negative and positive behaviour. The proposed school will have the same social times as the partner school. This will enable pupils to socialise across the 2 schools. There are plans to adjust staff supervision rotas to ensure suitable levels of supervision are in place.

p.5

Anti-bullying

The school’s anti-bullying policy is clear in its expectations of how staff and pupils should handle all forms of bullying and that these are not to be tolerated. There are procedures in place to ensure that the proposed school is a safe place to be. For instance, there are a range of ways in which pupils can report bullying. There is an electronic system in place for recording incidents of bullying.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school’s health and safety policy is comprehensive and covers relevant health and safety laws. The first aid policy includes information about staff responsibilities and the administration of first aid. There are plans for ample coverage for first aid.

p.5

Health and safety, fire and first aid

The building that contains the international study centre is part of the partner school. The proprietor has ensured over time that fire risk assessments have been undertaken. The site will continue to be subject to the same high standards of scrutiny as seen at the partner school.

p.5

Admissions and attendance

The proposed school has appropriate admissions and attendance registers in place. Staff know how to maintain these registers in accordance with statutory regulations.

p.5

Risk assessment

The school’s risk assessment policy indicates clearly to staff how to manage risk onsite and offsite. There are suitable risk assessments in place, for example for the use of the on-site swimming pool. Leaders have followed closely the latest government guidance on restrictive interventions, including the use of reasonable St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 6 force in schools. There is a suitable policy in place which outlines clearly the school’s procedures for this. There is an electronic system in place for recording any such incidents.

p.5

Risk assessment

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

p.6

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

The proprietor has ensured that appropriate staff are safer recruitment trained. Leaders have undertaken all relevant pre-employment checks on those staff who have already been appointed. Required checks on members of the proprietor body have been completed.

p.6

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

The proposed school does not intend to use supply staff. However, if this intention were to change, the school understands its role in relation to supply agencies and pre-employment checks on supply staff. It knows that it must receive written confirmation that relevant checks have been made on supply staff.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor maintains an electronic single central record of all the pre- employment checks on staff. This includes members of the proprietor body.

p.6

The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

p.6

and showers

The building which will house the international study centre is well equipped. There are multiple toilet and showering facilities. The pupils and students will also access the changing rooms for the gymnasium and swimming pool. All sinks and showers have running hot and cold water. The heat of the water does not pose a scalding risk. Maintenance checks include testing the water temperature.

p.6

Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

There is easy access to the medical room, which comprises a nursing station. It has ample space to cater for the needs of pupils. It has medical beds, sinks and an ensuite toilet. There are multiple cabinets and a fridge for medicines, first-aid kits and other equipment. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 7

p.6

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the facilities match those of the partner school. Classrooms are large, airy spaces. They are equipped with interactive whiteboards and, in some cases, soft furnishings. There are clear plans as to how pupils will move around the international study centre as well as access the facilities in the partner school for specialist teaching. For example, pupils will use the partner school’s science laboratories to conduct experiments. To help navigate they will be accompanied by learning mentors in the first instance. As familiarity grows with the site, pupils will be more independent in their movements. Students in the sixth form will have access to the sixth-form common rooms, café and study areas that are part of the partner school. They will follow the same routines of use that are already in place.

p.7

Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises team and the use of a schedule of maintenance checks will help to ensure that the site is well maintained.

p.7

Lighting and acoustic conditions

Due to the high ceilings and large windows, classrooms are well lit with natural light. Acoustic conditions are appropriate for teaching.

p.7

Outdoor space

The international study centre will be housed in a building in St Francis College. Classrooms will be on the first floor with boarding accommodation above. Pupils and students will have access to specialist facilities in the partner school. This includes a large theatre, gymnasium and swimming pool. They will also use the canteen, cafe and dining areas. Pupils will also access the large, landscaped grounds. This includes the use of the outdoor tennis courts.

p.7

Outdoor space

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

Leaders know the information they have a duty to publish and provide for parents, the Department for Education (DfE) and other bodies, as required. The proposed school has a website under construction that will contain such information. Currently, there is an information pack for parents that contains the required documentation. Parents will be briefed on key policies at the point of application as well as for induction. Communication will typically be in the home language where possible. The proposed school has specialist software to engage the parent community in their language. They will also have translation services on site and staff who speak home languages, such as Chinese. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 8 The reporting process will follow what is in place at the partner school. Staff will report on pupils’ attendance, behaviour, effort and attainment over time in the subjects they will study.

p.7

Part 6. Provision of information

The school is likely to meet the standards in this part if it is registered.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

A policy for handling complaints is in place. The policy provides clear guidance on the procedures, timescales, composition of the panel where required, representation and confidentiality.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has a centralised system for the collation and retention of complaints information.

p.8

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school is likely to meet the standard in this part if it is registered.

p.8

The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school has an accessibility plan in place. The plan details how the school will ensure that all pupils and students can access the curriculum, information and the physical environment.

p.8

principles and practice

Leaders available during the inspection were confident, knowledgeable and responsive. They demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements for registration and the responsibilities associated with operating a boarding provision.

p.8

principles and practice

The head of boarding is experienced, suitably qualified and appropriately trained. The staffing structure includes a head of boarding, a senior residential house parent, 2 full-time residential boarding mentors, a part-time residential boarding mentor and an additional residential boarding mentor. One position is currently being recruited to, with a preferred candidate already identified. Staff have relevant experience of working in boarding environments. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 9 A statement of boarding principles is in place. Leaders and managers have developed a suite of policies that generally reflect the specific needs of boarding, rather than relying on adaptations of whole-school policies.

p.8

principles and practice

Leaders understand the importance of effective induction, training and supervision. Staff will receive half-termly supervision meetings and six-monthly appraisal reviews.

p.9

Inclusion, equality and diversity

Leaders understand the need to assess sleeping arrangements carefully. Planned arrangements take account of age, friendship groups, welfare needs, language needs and safeguarding considerations.

p.9

Inclusion, equality and diversity

Leaders recognise the importance of helping boarders maintain contact with their families while also supporting them to develop positive relationships with fellow boarders and day pupils.

p.9

Inclusion, equality and diversity

Leaders are alert to the potential impact of unrealistic expectations, including those that pupils place on themselves and those arising from parental aspirations that exceed pupils’ attainment and abilities.

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

Boarding accommodation, boarders' possessions, provision and preparation of food and drinks

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

Boarding accommodation will be provided solely within designated boarding houses. No alternative accommodation arrangements are planned.

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

The quality of accommodation is variable. Some bedrooms contained stained or damaged carpets. One shower room had a heavily soiled ventilation unit and one bedroom contained a damaged electrical socket. Although accommodation provides privacy and has been appropriately risk assessed, leaders have not ensured consistently good standards of maintenance and cleanliness.

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

Leaders provided assurance that improvements were already planned for areas of accommodation that are tired or worn. Following the inspection, they submitted evidence of work in progress. These actions have the potential to bring about the required improvements. However, the identified shortfalls remained at the time of the inspection.

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

Access to boarding accommodation is controlled through a keypad entry system. Leaders indicated that this may be replaced by a key-fob system. One member of St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 10 staff will provide overnight supervision. Access to the wider site will be restricted after evening roll call when site gates are locked.

p.9

Part B: Boarding provision

Boarders will each have secure storage for personal belongings, adequate space for clothing and personal items, and access to a study desk.

p.10

Part B: Boarding provision

Meals will be provided in the school dining facilities and prepared by catering staff. Boarders will also have access to basic cooking facilities within the boarding provision.

p.10

Part B: Boarding provision

Laundry services will be provided by the college.

p.10

Boarders' health and wellbeing

Systems are in place to support boarders' health needs. Leaders have established links with local health services and boarders will have access to an in-school counsellor.

p.10

Boarders' health and wellbeing

A room adjacent to the staff office has been designated as a sick bay and isolation room. Leaders understand the importance of making prompt referrals and recognise when concerns exceed the support available within the school. Appropriate escalation and referral pathways are understood.

p.10

Boarders' health and wellbeing

Medication administration will be managed through an electronic recording system. Leaders are alert to the risks associated with home remedies.

p.10

Safeguarding

A safeguarding policy is in place. During the inspection, leaders amended the missing pupil policy to include arrangements for return interviews. The policy is now suitable.

p.10

Safeguarding

The behaviour policy makes clear that staff should not dismiss concerns as 'banter' and acknowledges the additional vulnerabilities that boarders may experience.

p.10

Safeguarding

Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. They are alert to the importance of identifying and responding appropriately to low-level concerns about staff conduct.

p.10

Safeguarding

There are currently no adults living on site who are not employed by the school. Leaders understand their responsibilities should this situation change. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 11

p.10

Safety of boarders, fire precautions and drills

A fire risk assessment is in place and is scheduled for review next month.

p.11

Safety of boarders, fire precautions and drills

Arrangements for staff accommodation are appropriate. Boarders cannot access staff accommodation directly but will be able to contact staff when required.

p.11

Part F: Boarders' rights, advocacy and complaints

Boarders' induction, individual support and securing boarders' views

p.11

Part F: Boarders' rights, advocacy and complaints

Leaders and managers have established suitable arrangements to support the induction of new boarders.

p.11

Part F: Boarders' rights, advocacy and complaints

An independent person is available for boarders to contact. Information about advocacy services and support organisations will be displayed in boarders' rooms.

p.11

Contact with parents and carers

Leaders have appropriate arrangements in place to support boarders to maintain contact with their families.

p.11

Activities and free time

Boarders will have access to a range of activities using both on-site and community resources.

p.11

Activities and free time

Communal space is available, including a welcoming games room that provides opportunities for social interaction and recreation. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 12

p.11

About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, 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.12

About this inspection

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.12

About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

p.12

About this inspection

The proprietor for this school is Inspired Learning Group (UK) Limited. The chair of the proprietor body is Amit Metha.

p.12

About this inspection

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. The inspector only inspected the proposed education provision at this school.

p.12

About this inspection

The proposed school is located at Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3PJ. It will be based within the site of its partner school St Francis College. The proposed school is housed in large grounds.

p.12

About this inspection

The proposed school plans to cater for 36 pupils in the main school and 28 students in the sixth form.

p.12

About this inspection

There are currently no plans to use alternative provision.

p.12

About this inspection

The proposed school will have a Christian ethos.

p.12

About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the chair of the proprietor body, the chair of the advisory board, the director of education, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and other senior leaders and staff.

p.12

About this inspection

The inspector discussed the school’s proposed curriculum with leaders and looked at curriculum plans. They also discussed safeguarding arrangements and looked at the documentation and systems for this. This included scrutiny of the single central record. St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 13 The inspector had a tour of the site and considered a wide range of documentary evidence to check on the school’s compliance with the statutory requirements of the independent school standards.

p.12

About this proposed school

Proprietor/ Inspired Learning Group (UK) Limited Headteacher Julia Spence Type of school Other independent school Capacity 64

p.13

authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 14 to 18 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: female

p.13

teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 20

p.13

Annual fees for day pupils £25, 884

Email address info@stfrancisinternational.herts.sch.uk St Francis’ International Study Centre, 8 May 2026 14 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

p.13

Annual fees for day pupils £25, 884

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.14

Annual fees for day pupils £25, 884

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

p.14

Annual fees for day pupils £25, 884

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

p.14