Private School News

RHS provides a happy and fulfilling educational experience

‘The high quality of pastoral care and the commitment of the staff ensure a happy and fulfilling educational experience’ according to independent school inspectors in their report on The Royal Hospital School (RHS) issued last week.

The inspection of the Royal Hospital School, a coeducational boarding and day school for approximately 680 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres overlooking the River Stour at Holbrook, took place over two days in February and three days in March. It was conducted by an experienced team of Heads and teachers from other ISC (Independent School’s Council) accredited schools across the country. The objective of the inspection is to assess whether the School is meeting its stated aims and to ensure that standards are maintained and that relevant legal requirements are complied with.

Headmaster, Mr. Howard Blackett, who has been in post since 2004, explains that the School’s aims are “to provide a civilised, caring, Christian community where pupils are helped to develop their full potential and encouraged to develop qualities such as personal responsibility, honesty, reliability, truthfulness, integrity, independence, adaptability, perseverance, initiative and self confidence.” He was therefore delighted at the findings of the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) report which state that that “pupils have outstandingly well-developed personal qualities: they are ready to become active, responsible citizens who will contribute to society in a positive manner, exercise good judgment and show tolerance, courtesy and respect for others. They are friendly, confident and outgoing and loyal to their house and school. The school very successfully fulfils its aims concerning the development of values and personal qualities.”

The report is divided into specific sections and, in each one, the conclusions made were “overall extremely pleasant reading” according to Mr. Blackett. Comments such as ‘standards are high. Pupils are well educated in accordance with the school’s aims. They are articulate, confident and capable of independent thought. Results in GCSE and A Level examinations over the last three years, for which nationally comparable data is available, have been high’ were received and Mr. Blackett goes on to say, “we are dedicated to further improving on these high academic standards and results, not least through our new Gifted and Talented programme which has been put in place to support and extend pupils who are more able in specific subject areas”.

The ISI Inspection team recognised that the School has been through a period of enormous structural change and development under Mr Blackett’s leadership and the positive feedback and recommended actions reflected this. Not least, the £18 million house-refurbishment which the inspection team believed has created ‘first class accommodation which is both warm and welcoming’ and they praised the pastoral care and support provided by the House system by saying ‘the Houses are the heart of the school community; their friendly, family ethos fosters the pupil’s loyalty and respect’.

The full report can be read at www.royalhospitalschool.org and the School can viewed on Saturday 8th May when an Open Morning will be held from 9am.