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Locrating is the UK's most popular and trusted school guide; it allows you to view inspection reports, admissions data, exam results, catchment areas, league tables, school reviews, neighbourhood information, carry out school comparisons and much more. Below is some useful summary information regarding London Vocational Ballet School.
| Name | London Vocational Ballet School | ||
| Inspections |
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| Directors Gavin McCaig | |||
| Address | 58 Bulwer Street, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 8AR | ||
| Phone Number | 02087460412 | ||
| Phase | Independent | ||
| Type | Other independent school | ||
| Age Range | 10-16 | ||
| Religious Character | None | ||
| Gender | Mixed | ||
| Number of Pupils | 45 (20% boys 80% girls) | ||
| Local Authority | Hammersmith and Fulham | ||
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What is it like to attend this school? There is a strong, caring and nurturing ethos that supports pupils’ achievement, both academically and with their classical ballet. This is because leaders are mindful of pupils’ physical and emotional development and how both contribute to pupils’ academic and vocational success. Pupils are happy here. They are kept safe. This is because they are confident to share concerns that may arise with staff who resolve any issues swiftly. Pupils typically behave well during lessons. The determination and self-discipline shown during ballet sessions are very strong. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), follow an increasingly broad and ambitious curriculum. Pupils work hard and produce work of a good quality. In most subjects, the curriculum prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education, employment or training. Pupils access extra-curricular activities that link to the school’s vocational ethos. These include contemporary dance, jazz, singing and drama. Pupils enjoy visits that further enhance their interests and future opportunities, for example to Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Ballet. The academic curriculum is also enriched with outings, for example to City Hall as part of learning about democracy. What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Pupils follow a broad curriculum that typically matches the ambition and scope of what is expected nationally. In most subjects, leaders have identified what should be learned and when. This is typically well sequenced. Important knowledge and vocabulary are broken down into small steps that are revisited over time. This helps pupils to deepen their understanding and tackle more demanding learning as they move through the school. For example, in ballet lessons, pupils learn about the individual muscles that develop to perform particular movements. They practise these repeatedly, to increase precision and automaticity and to create ‘flow’ within a series of movements. Similarly, in French, pupils learn the vocabulary alongside the correct use of verb tenses. These build across the school, so pupils can speak, read and write more complex sentences independently. Teachers make effective use of assessment to check what pupils have learned and address any errors and misconceptions that arise.Leaders have prioritised increasing the range of subjects and qualifications available to pupils. However, a few of the more recently introduced subjects are not sufficiently ambitious. Pupils do not secure the depth of knowledge required to prepare them sufficiently for their future studies in these subjects.Pupils with SEND are well supported. Staff benefit from specialist training to meet pupils’ different needs. Teachers make appropriate adaptations that support pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers. This includes effective support for those who need extra practice to read accurately and fluently.Pupils behave well. Classrooms are typically calm and conducive to learning. Pupils’ commitment to ballet demonstrates real strength of character and high levels of resilience. Pupils readily transfer these attitudes to other lessons. Attendance is monitored rigorously to ensure all pupils come to school regularly and on time. Provision for pupils’ personal development is exceptional. The curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is broad and well considered. Pupils learn about important values such as equality, liberty, tolerance and respect. Their understanding of different faiths, beliefs and traditions is promoted well. Staff are acutely aware of what pupils need to reach their potential as dancers. Central to the wider development offer is detailed nutritional advice and physiotherapy support, designed to maximise physical fitness and minimise injury. This holistic care and nurture help to ensure the physical and emotional development of every pupil is very well supported. Leaders ensure that all pupils receive a well-structured careers programme, including information on a wide range of different professions, qualifications and courses. This helps pupils to make informed choices about their next stage of education, employment or training. The advice and guidance for pupils who decide not to pursue professional ballet is of equally high quality. Staff are highly positive about the opportunities provided for professional development and how leaders support them in managing workload and well-being. They are happy working here and describe the open culture of dialogue, where all voices are heard and decisions reached collaboratively. Leaders, including trustees, understand their roles. They have fully addressed the weaknesses identified in the previous standard inspection. Leaders have a detailed and accurate understanding of the school’s strengths, together with the areas they want to improve further. As a result, all the independent school standards are met. Leaders and trustees have rigorous and robust monitoring procedures in place to ensure this continues. The school complies with schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Safeguarding The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders have created a culture of vigilance where the safety of pupils is high profile. Staff are well trained. They understand how to identify and report any concerns they may have swiftly. Rigorous systems are in place, ensuring swift, effective follow up. Leaders work closely with external agencies to ensure pupils and their families receive the support they need. Safeguarding is woven carefully through the curriculum. Pupils are helped to understand important issues such as online safety and maintaining healthy relationships.Leaders have suitable policies in place. The safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers via the school’s website. The policy is up to date and reflects the latest statutory guidance. Leaders have addressed the weaknesses identified in the last standard inspection. Pre-employment checks and risk assessments of the school site, as well as off-site visits, are managed and maintained effectively. What does the school need to do to improve? (Information for the school and proprietor) ? In a few more recently introduced subjects, the curriculum is not sufficiently ambitious. In these subjects, pupils do not develop as deep a knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure they identify appropriately ambitious content in each subject. This should be sequenced to allow pupils to practise and secure each step. This will help pupils to deepen their learning further and better prepare them for future learning in these subjects. |
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