Supreme Education AP

Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 1 Supreme Education AP CSEP, 32-34 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EF

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change 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 change its premises.

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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 (ISS) 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 ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS 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 proposes relocating the provision to a new site because the current premises are undergoing major reconstruction. Leaders present a clear and appropriate rationale for this request. The proposed move will enable the provision to operate from a site that is safe, suitable and accessible for pupils and staff.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

More recently, the proprietor has increased governance capacity through the recruitment of additional trustees. This has strengthened oversight and accountability. Minutes from meetings show that trustees are beginning to maintain close scrutiny of the independent school standards, as well as the Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 2 school’s systems, processes and procedures. This includes more rigorous oversight of safeguarding arrangements.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has also reviewed and adapted aspects of the curriculum. The curriculum policy sets out a programme that includes core subjects, personal, social, health and economic education, and vocational options such as bricklaying and construction. The proprietor recognises that the curriculum will need to be further developed and tailored to meet the individual needs of pupils who are commissioned to attend the school following its reopening.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has confirmed that, once the school is able to reopen, leaders intend to focus solely on supporting pupils who attend the school on site. The proprietor has acknowledged that operating a satellite model of provision for pupils located elsewhere in the country would not be appropriate and would not form part of the proposed material change. They understand that such an arrangement would not be approved under the current material change application. The proprietor confirmed that the school’s future provision will be limited to pupils attending the registered site.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has taken appropriate steps to ensure that the standards considered as part of this material change are likely to be met if the proposal is approved.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Leaders have acted swiftly to address weaknesses identified at the previous inspection, particularly those relating to safeguarding culture, procedures, practice and oversight. They have established appropriate safeguarding arrangements to help ensure that pupils can be educated safely and effectively. Some of these improvements have been developed in collaboration with external professionals from partner local authorities.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Safeguarding systems are organised clearly and are understood well by current staff. Leaders have strengthened their understanding of how to promote a culture of care, vigilance and accountability. They have introduced suitable procedures for reporting and recording safeguarding concerns. Staff have received training on the school’s newly implemented electronic recording system and know how to use it to report concerns effectively. Current staff have also completed training to help them identify potential safeguarding risks and signs of harm.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

The proprietor and designated safeguarding lead have completed the required safeguarding training and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Leaders have communicated their expectations for maintaining a vigilant safeguarding culture clearly to staff. Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 3 The proprietor recognises the need to provide a structured induction programme as additional staff are recruited. This will help new staff understand the contextual risks and vulnerabilities that pupils may face. It will also ensure that they are familiar with the school’s safeguarding procedures and know how to identify, record and report concerns appropriately.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Health and safety responsibilities are shared with the Charles Major Centre, which is owned and managed by the Old Town Youth Club. However, leaders have reviewed the school’s health and safety arrangements in light of the proposed change of site. The proprietor has ensured that the necessary health and safety policies are in place and comply with relevant statutory requirements. These policies are suitable and available on the school’s website.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

The building owners have established comprehensive health and safety arrangements to support the safe use of the premises. They ensure that compliance checks, maintenance activities and health and safety requirements are carried out systematically and regularly. This includes compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety arrangements at the proposed site are suitable. The proprietor is a trained fire marshal and ensures that staff receive appropriate fire safety awareness training. This includes guidance on emergency procedures and the safe evacuation of the building. The site has several clearly identified escape routes, supported by appropriate signage and emergency lighting. Suitable fire safety equipment is located throughout the building. If the material change is approved, leaders intend to develop individual personal emergency evacuation plans for any pupils who may require additional

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

support to leave the building safely in an emergency.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

The proprietor has also taken appropriate steps to ensure that sufficient staff are trained in first aid to meet the needs of pupils and staff.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Effective arrangements are in place to enable leaders to monitor health and safety across the site. The premises are well maintained, clean and safe. The accommodation is suitable for its intended purpose and supports the school’s proposed provision.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Risk assessments for the proposed site are clear and appropriate. In addition to the risk assessments completed by the building owners, the proprietor has established a suitable risk assessment policy. This is supported by clear systems and procedures designed to minimise risks to pupils, staff and visitors, both on and off site.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Risk assessments identify potential hazards and set out suitable control measures to reduce identified risks. They also provide clear guidance on the actions staff should take to manage and mitigate those risks effectively. For example, leaders Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 4 have completed a risk assessment for pupils attending a local sports centre for additional physical education and sporting activities, including arrangements for the safe use of changing and shower facilities.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

Leaders have used risk assessments appropriately to support decision-making to help ensure that pupils can participate safely in a range of educational and enrichment activities.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met by the school if the DfE approves the implementation of the material changes.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

The proprietor has taken significant action to establish effective systems and processes for carrying out the necessary pre-employment checks on staff. Leaders have completed safer recruitment training, which has improved their understanding of the requirements for recruiting and appointing staff. As a result, recruitment procedures are more thorough and align with statutory expectations. For example, the proprietor now ensures that appropriate checks are completed for staff who have lived or worked overseas before their appointment.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

The proprietor has a clear strategy for recruiting additional staff once pupils are commissioned to attend the school. Leaders intend to appoint staff with the knowledge, skills and experience required to meet the special educational needs of pupils attending the provision. This approach is designed to ensure that staffing arrangements are aligned closely with pupils’ individual needs and support their education, welfare and development.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

The proprietor maintains an electronic single central register that complies with statutory requirements. Required pre-employment checks are completed and recorded for all current staff. The proprietor also intends to implement additional quality assurance arrangements, including regular reviews of the single central register by trustees and external professionals. These checks are designed to provide independent oversight and assurance that recruitment procedures remain effective.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

The standards in this part are likely to continue to be met if the DfE approves the proposed material change.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

There are sufficient toilet and washing facilities to meet the needs of the proposed number of pupils. These facilities can be locked from the inside to provide privacy. They provide both hot and cold water, with hot water regulated to reduce the risk Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 5 of scalding. Drinking water is readily available and easily accessible to pupils throughout the site. Clear signs identify drinking water points.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

As a temporary arrangement, leaders intend to use a small multi-purpose room as a medical space for pupils who become unwell during the school day. The room is located close to the toilet and washing facilities, enabling pupils to access support quickly when needed.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The proposed site also includes a suitably sized room for therapeutic provision. Leaders plan to obtain the resources and equipment required to deliver therapies and other support that meet the needs of pupils attending the school.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The proposed site provides sufficient space and suitable facilities for the intended operation of the school. Access to the building is through a single, supervised entrance that is managed by school and/or building staff. This entrance is designated for the use of pupils and staff. Pupils will be supervised appropriately while on site. Leaders have established clear arrangements to ensure that members of the public using other parts of the community building do not have access to the school provision during operating hours.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The site includes a large multi-purpose hall that will accommodate most learning and enrichment activities. The hall can be accessed via an internal staircase and an external ramp, which enables access for wheelchair users. Additional facilities include games rooms equipped with snooker, pool and table tennis tables, as well as a communal area with kitchen facilities. There is also sufficient storage space to securely house the resources and equipment required to support the school’s provision.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The building owners have well-established systems for managing and monitoring health and safety requirements. They maintain effective arrangements to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant regulations. The proprietor has a secure understanding of these arrangements. This is supported by an existing partnership with the building owners and management committee, as the organisation already uses the facilities for a range of community-based projects outside the school’s operation.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The intended learning spaces provide suitable lighting and acoustics for their planned use. Newly installed emergency lighting is in place and is monitored regularly to ensure that it remains fully operational. External lighting provides appropriate illumination around the main building and outdoor recreational areas, helping to support the safety and security of pupils, staff and visitors.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The outdoor area provides suitable space for pupils to play, socialise and take part in a range of physical and sporting activities. The enclosed sports court supports Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 6 effective supervision by allowing staff to maintain clear oversight of pupils during recreation and physical activity.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The adjoining staff car park is spacious and is separated appropriately from pupil areas. This will help to maintain site security and supports the safe movement of pupils around the premises.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves the proposed material change.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The school’s safeguarding and child protection policy is appropriate and reflects current statutory requirements. Leaders have updated the policy to ensure that it remains aligned with the latest guidance. The policy is available on the school’s website, and a paper copy is available for parents and carers to view at the school office.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The policy sets out clearly how staff will safeguard and support pupils both in and beyond the school environment. This includes guidance on keeping pupils safe when using online platforms, social media and artificial intelligence technologies. Staff are provided with clear procedures for identifying concerns, managing risks and responding to safeguarding issues.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE approves the proposed material change.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school has an appropriate written accessibility plan in place, and this is likely to ensure that the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 continue to be met should the DfE approve the proposed material change.

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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. 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. Supreme Education AP, 8 September 2026 7 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

The inspector spoke with a representative of the proprietor body, who is also the headteacher, and with the owner of the proposed site.

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About this inspection

The address for the proposed site is Charles Major Centre, Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon CR0 4BA.

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Lead inspector

Lascelles Haughton His Majesty’s Inspector

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About this school

Type of school Other independent special school

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an education, health and care plan

Annual fees for day pupils £40,000 to £53,625

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an education, health and care plan

Website www.supremeeducationap.org Supreme Education AP, 8 September 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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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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an education, health and care plan

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