“I was so moved and impressed by all the teachers on the trip. It reaffirmed our choice of sending our children to OHS. The focus on good manners, politeness and consideration to others was well balanced and delivered with authority and affection. I can see why the children all grow up to be confident and assertive; it’s because they are treated with respect and discipline in equal proportions.”
Mrs Barclay

“Both Emily and Johnny loved their time at Orchard House and it has been amazing to see how they have developed and grown during their time there. Emily looks back at her time at OHS with very fond memories, and I’m sure Johnny will do too. All their teachers, and other staff, have been wonderful, without exception. Orchard House is a very special school.”
Mr Pitman

“I just wanted to mention what a great idea the holiday “homework” was. It was really refreshing for the boys to be given a list of fun, diverse and challenging activities to complete. Aside from it not being focused on academics, it also gave them the chance to try out activities that they’d not had the opportunity to do before.”
Mrs Thaysen

“Thank you so much for a really well run, fun filled event. I love watching all the children do the different events such as tug of war etc. It is a brilliant way to involve everyone and great for team spirit and our children adore the running races.” 
Mrs Angus

Orchard House School is routinely inspected by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate). The inspection team inspects every aspect of the school as well as observing the quality of the teaching and learning.

Orchard House was inspected in June 2015 and the ISI made the following judgments about the school.

The report reflects the four areas inspected in each of the Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Naturally the report should be read in its entirety (read the full report here) but parents will see that the school is judged in all four areas to be ‘excellent’, the highest inspection grade possible, and in the category addressing the quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning to be ‘exceptional’ (the only place where under the ISI’s self-imposed rules this description is permissible). As parents may imagine, the staff are delighted with the judgments made about the school. Listed below some of the highlights in the report (the school has emboldened the words ‘excellent’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘exemplary’ where these appear):

Success of the school

Orchard House School is highly successful in meeting its aims. Pupils achieve exceptionally well throughout the school and make exceptional progress. They reach exceptional levels of attainment and their attitudes to learning are exemplary. Pupils enjoy an excellent curriculum which is interesting, exciting and stimulating.

Pupils’ Learning and Achievements

The quality of pupils’ achievements and learning is exceptional. 

Pupils are exceptionally well educated in accordance with the school’s aims of ensuring that pupils reach their potential and become confident, creative and independent learners.

Pupils make exceptional progress during their time at the school, particularly in English and mathematics from Years 3 to 6. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are exemplary.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development of Pupils

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is excellent. 

The Quality of Teaching (Including Assessment) 

The contribution of teaching is excellent… and fully meets the school’s aim to provide supportive, yet challenging teaching, which takes into account the progress and individual needs of the pupils. 

The Quality of Pastoral Care, and the Welfare, Health and Safety of Pupils

The school’s arrangements for pastoral care are excellent. The school has a homely, welcoming feel and relationships between staff and pupils are excellent. EYFS children feel safe and have a key person to oversee their needs, but all staff adopt a supportive and encouraging approach.

The contribution of the arrangements for health and safety is excellent. 

The Quality of Links with Parents and the Community

The quality of leadership and management, including links with parents, carers and guardians, is excellent. 

The Quality of Governance

The quality of governance is excellent. 

The governors maintain an excellent oversight of all aspects of the school’s work through their close involvement in the running of the school, including the EYFS.

The Quality of Leadership and Management

The leadership and management ensure that the aims of the school are achieved in a most effective manner and successfully promote the pupils’ personal development, care and well-being in a dynamic school environment, including in the EYFS.

View the full report heRE