Lord Gowthorpe's Independent School

Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 1 Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School 45 Common Road, Dunnington, North Yorkshire YO19 5PA

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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.

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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 increase the maximum number of pupils who may attend from 25 to 45.

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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.

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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 (the 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 has a clear vision for the school. This is supported by high expectations of all staff and pupils. The proprietor is ambitious that pupils will achieve their potential and benefit from a stimulating, caring educational environment. Leaders actively promote the wellbeing of pupils at the school. They have the knowledge and skills to ensure that the school meets the standards consistently. Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 2 A new headteacher and other teaching staff have been appointed since the last inspection. These changes will support the proposed increase in the number of pupils and enable leaders to fulfil any increase in their responsibilities effectively.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has established an effective governing body to support and challenge school leaders in all aspects of their work. Those responsible for governance have the requisite knowledge to fulfil their duties well. Governors are aware of the strengths of the school and understand the requirements for its expansion should the material change be granted.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has made effective arrangements to safeguard pupils at the school. There is an appropriate safeguarding policy in place. The policy is published on the school’s website and reflects the most recent statutory guidance. Suitably trained staff are in post to maintain oversight of safeguarding matters.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor recognises the need to create extra time and capacity for nominated staff to undertake their roles as the school grows. Leaders have created a secure culture of safeguarding. They understand potential risks that pupils might face. Staff receive relevant training to understand these risks. Leaders provide ongoing training to keep staff up to date with relevant safeguarding matters.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor ensures that records pertaining to safeguarding are thorough and take account of the most recent legislation and guidance. Any concerns raised about the safety or wellbeing of pupils are acted upon swiftly. Leaders act consistently in the best interest of pupils. Their work with different external professionals is a strength of the school. This includes engagement with various agencies, medical professionals and parents and carers. The proprietor has taken suitable steps to ensure that pupils’ wellbeing is not compromised as the school grows by adding additional capacity to the safeguarding team.

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Safeguarding

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 3

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Health and safety, fire and supervision of pupils

The school site is maintained to a high standard. Pupils’ health and safety is carefully monitored as the school grows. The proprietor has implemented suitable adaptations to account for the intended increase in the number of pupils on roll. Regular checks are carried out on the condition of the site and buildings. This includes audits by external experts. The proprietor ensures that any findings from these reviews are promptly acted upon. The school’s health and safety policy is implemented appropriately by leaders on a day-to-day basis. Risks are swiftly identified and addressed. Staff undertake relevant training including first aid, fire safety and the drawing up of risk assessments. Pupils’ health and safety is a priority for everyone at the school.

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Health and safety, fire and supervision of pupils

The proprietor undertakes regular checks on all aspects of fire safety. Firefighting equipment is routinely serviced. Fire alarms, exits and smoke detectors are checked and maintained periodically. Evacuation drills are conducted on a regular basis. Records of these evacuations show they are carried out quickly and efficiently. Trained fire wardens support this process and ensure pupils quickly get to a place of safety. The proprietor has considered the impact of more pupils within the school building in their design of exit routes and location of a fire assembly point. An annual, external audit of fire precautions at the premises is carried out. Any recommendations are robustly acted upon by the proprietor.

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Health and safety, fire and supervision of pupils

The proprietor ensures that a suitable number of staff are available to supervise pupils. This includes during lesson time, examinations, around the building and for enrichment activities. Staff have a range of suitable experience that enables them to supervise the school’s diverse educational offer appropriately.

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Health and safety, fire and supervision of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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Risk assessment

The school’s risk assessment policy is fit for purpose. The risk assessments created by leaders are very thorough. They take account of relevant risks and the specific needs of different pupils. Leaders proactively review and amend risk assessments. This ensures they are as relevant as possible to each activity and cohort of pupils. The way risks are identified and mitigated is robust. The proprietor takes the wellbeing of both staff and pupils very seriously. Leaders take appropriate and swift action to reduce risks, including consideration of any additional risks that may arise with the anticipated increase in pupil numbers.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved. Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 4

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

The proprietor carries out the relevant pre-employment checks on all staff working at the school. These checks include the person’s right to work in the UK, any criminal convictions, medical fitness and references from previous employers. The proprietor understands the need to put in place a risk assessment should certain checks be difficult to carry out, for example, if a member of staff has worked overseas a long time ago. No staff begin work before all relevant checks are complete. A list of recruitment checks is in place to ensure consistency of process, for example ensuring that suitable references have been obtained and checked for authenticity. The proprietor understands the need to carry out a medical questionnaire with staff following the interview process.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor maintains all the information required within the school’s single central record. This information is recorded thoroughly and accurately. Leaders’ regular audits of the single central record ensure that gaps in recording or inaccuracies do not develop. The pertinent information is held electronically and securely and complies with statutory guidance.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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and showers

The proprietor has ensured there are suitable toilet and washing facilities for the proposed increase in the number of pupils. An accessible toilet is provided and is also available for use by staff. Shower and changing facilities are available should pupils require them. These facilities are maintained to a high standard and regularly checked, for example, for legionella and safe operating temperatures. Appropriate drinking water is available for pupils on each floor. Adequate water supplies are provided in toilet areas for hand washing and flushing.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor ensures the health, safety and welfare of pupils is high priority. Regular checks and staff training ensure compliance with the standards and that statutory requirements are understood. For example, the proprietor undertakes relevant training to maintain robust oversight of health and safety. They utilise Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 5 external specialists to support their work and highlight any changes required. The health and safety and risk assessment policies are enacted effectively. Leaders’ clear schedule of weekly, monthly and annual checks is appropriate to support them if the number of pupils on the school’s roll increases.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school buildings have undergone significant renovation to increase the capacity and accommodate the increase in number of pupils. The rooms available for use as teaching spaces are very well considered. Suitable adaptations have been made, for example specific rooms for pupils to study computing are available. These spaces are provided with high-quality equipment. Appropriate risk assessments are in place to support the wide range of activities for pupils. These include physical education, visits to local attractions, scientific experiments and horse riding. These risk assessments are precise and well considered. For example, some highlight individual adaptions for specific pupils’ needs. This helps staff to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Lighting and acoustic conditions, outdoor space.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The school is bright and well-lit. The proprietor has carefully considered the intended purpose of each teaching space. Any areas originally deemed unsuitable have been thoughtfully adapted for pupils. For example, adaptations to some learning spaces ensure that noise from social areas or group activities will not impact on the learning taking place in classrooms.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The outdoor area is suitable for both the physical education of pupils and for them to socialise. This has been expanded, considering the school’s intended increase in capacity. The site is secure and well laid out. The buildings and outdoor areas provide ample space for the intended number of pupils to be educated.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the request for the material change is approved.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school has a suitable accessibility plan in place. This takes account of the building and its layout as well as the proposed increase in capacity. Leaders have taken deliberate action to increase the accessibility of the building with the changes they have made. The school fulfils its responsibilities under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 6

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About this inspection

The inspector carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, 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.

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About this inspection

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

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About this inspection

This inspection focused on parts 3, 4, 5 and 8 of the independent school standards in relation to the proprietor requesting a material change to the number of pupils that may be admitted onto the school roll.

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About this inspection

The inspector spoke with the proprietor and school leaders. The inspector met with the chair of the governing body. The inspector met with the designated safeguarding lead. The inspector had a tour of the premises and reviewed documentation pertaining to the proposed increase in capacity.

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About this inspection

The school does not make use of any alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The school caters for pupils with education, health and care plans. Most pupils who attend the school have autism and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. Some pupils also have moderate learning difficulties.

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About this school

Proprietor Teach Me Happy Ltd Headteacher Dr Adele Lord-Laverick Miss Georgina Gowthorpe Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 25

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 11 to 16 Gender of pupils Mixed Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 7 Annual fees for day pupils £48,000 Email address info@lordgowthorpes.co.uk Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School, 1 July 2026 8 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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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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compulsory school age on roll

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