Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is delighted to announce the findings of its latest inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
The inspection, which was carried out in November 2023, praised Rosemead’s academic approach to learning, pastoral care and support and the positive influence of the school’s values, vision, and leadership.
‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,’ the report explained. ‘A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.’
Speaking about the report, Head of Rosemead, Graeme McCafferty explained: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to share our outstanding recent inspection report with our community.
‘One standout strength that truly shines through is our highly customised approach to every child’s academic progress. The report highlighted our dedication to tailoring personal learning programs for each child, particularly in subjects like Maths, English, VR, and NVR.
Graeme added: ‘What’s more, our extensive learning support programme ensures that every individual in our school community not only succeeds but thrives. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing the best possible education for every child at Rosemead, and I couldn’t be prouder of our school’s achievement.’
Rosemead’s early years’ provision was also praised in the summary findings. ‘Leaders in the early years effectively ensure staff have high expectations of the behaviour and achievement of children,’ the report found. ‘The positive relationships between adults and children in the early years help children settle in quickly and feel safe and happy.’
It added: ‘Children in the early years achieve well from their varied starting points. Adults engage with the children effectively and use appropriate questioning to develop children’s vocabulary and understanding. Children from an early age become confident speakers and develop their reading skills well.
The report comes at an exciting time for Rosemead. Last year, the school announced a merger with St Dunstan’s College joining St Dunstan’s Community of Schools.
St Dunstan’s Group Head, Nick Hewlett, said: ‘The whole community is delighted with the ISI inspection for Rosemead. The report rightly recognises the outstanding education Rosemead is offering as one of south London’s leading prep schools. Bringing our schools together has been a wonderful opportunity, allowing our staff and students to work closer together, learning from one another and enhancing our students’ educational journeys.
‘I pay tribute to the staff, children and parents who are part of this onward journey, and I am very excited by Rosemead’s future.’
Noting the recent merger, the report highlighted: ‘Governors and senior leaders work well together to promote the effectiveness of the school. Governors’ vision has a positive influence on every area of the school and drives continual improvement, for example, the recent decision to merge with another school.’
Alongside the academic excellence, the report praised the ‘positive’ Roots of Rosemead, which are the school’s values system.
‘The curriculum and communication of school values, known as the ‘Roots of Rosemead’ encourage respect and strengthen pupils’ appreciation of the diversity of the school and wider community.
‘The consistent promotion of these values helps develop pupils’ moral understanding.’
The full inspection report can be found on Rosemead’s website, and the school will be hosting their next open morning on Thursday 25 April 2024.