At Richmond Park School, we are proud to share the positive outcomes of our recent NABSS Secondary, Primary and EYFS inspection. This achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our families. Together, we continue to build a nurturing and inspiring environment for all.
The inspectors provided exceptionally positive feedback, emphasising the safe, happy, and supportive atmosphere across the school. They were particularly impressed by:
- The strong relationships between teachers and students, which foster confidence, respect, and a love for learning.
- Strong teaching and learning practices are evident across the school, with elements of outstanding in many areas. Inspectors particularly praised the engaging, challenging and high-quality experiences provided to students in various subjects and activities.
- The professionalism of staff and their role in creating a welcoming and inclusive school culture.
- Children expressed pride in being part of RPS and spoke confidently about feeling safe, supported, and listened to. This reflects the strong sense of community and collaboration we cherish at Richmond Park School.
We are so proud of our school community and grateful for your continued support, which helps make Richmond Park School a remarkable environment for learning and growth.
International Baccalaureate Authorisation Visit
Richmond Park School recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the Authorisation Visit for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This accomplishment is a testament to our school’s dedication to academic excellence and the commitment to fostering a holistic and internationally-minded education for our students. We look forward to delivering the Diploma from September 2025.
The authorisation process for the IB Diploma Programme is rigorous, involving an in-depth evaluation of the school’s curriculum, teaching practices, facilities, and overall readiness to deliver the IB’s demanding academic framework. The visit involved two senior IB representatives assessing various aspects of the school, including its alignment with the IB’s mission to cultivate inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are prepared to tackle global challenges with compassion and creativity.
Richmond Park School’s success in this process reflects months and indeed years of meticulous preparation, as since its inception it has been an ambition to deliver the IB Diploma to the students in our new Sixth Form. The school’s leadership team, teachers, and administrative staff worked collaboratively to ensure every requirement of the IB Diploma Programme was met. This included curriculum planning to align with the IB’s rigorous academic standards, training teachers to adopt and embody the IB pedagogy, and creating a supportive environment that promotes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal growth. Each teacher has had to write a comprehensive course outline, which has been assessed and approved by the IB Inspectors.
A major strength that contributed to the successful authorisation was our school’s emphasis on professional development for its staff. Richmond Park School invested heavily in training its educators to deliver the IB’s challenging curriculum effectively. Teachers participated in workshops, conferences, and peer-learning sessions to familiarize themselves with the IB philosophy and practices. This dedication not only ensured the school met the IB’s high standards but also inspired confidence in the visiting IB evaluators.
Another critical factor is the school’s focus on student-centred learning. Richmond Park School demonstrated how it fosters an environment where students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and global citizens. During the visit, the evaluators observed how the school integrates creativity, action, and service (CAS) into its teaching methodologies, ensuring students engage in activities that extend beyond the classroom. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the IB’s emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals.
The excellent facilities and resources at Richmond Park School were also key elements in the authorisation process. The school ensured that its infrastructure supports the delivery of the IB Diploma Programme, with state-of-the-art laboratories, a well-stocked library, and spaces conducive to collaborative and individual study. Such resources are essential for a programme that requires students to engage deeply with subjects ranging from the sciences to the arts. We were also excited to share our plans for a new RPS Sixth Form centre (RPS 6FC) which will be built over the coming months to provide state of the art facilities and classrooms for our IB students.
The successful authorisation of the IB Diploma Programme marks a new chapter for Richmond Park School. It positions our institution among a prestigious group of schools worldwide that offer this globally recognized qualification. For students, this means access to a challenging academic curriculum that prepares them for university and beyond, equipping them with skills that are increasingly valued in our interconnected world.
For the wider school community, this achievement brings pride and excitement. Parents can be assured of the school’s dedication to providing a world-class education, while students can look forward to an enriching educational experience. Richmond Park School’s success underscores its reputation as a forward-thinking institution, committed to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Celebrating the Term’s Highlights
This term has been filled with enriching activities that have inspired curiosity and creativity in learning. Highlights include:
- Exciting Trips: From EYFS adventures to primary excursions, our students have embraced learning beyond the classroom by visiting museums, exploring local parks, discovering life on farms, and enjoying engaging performances at theatres. These enriching experiences have brought their learning to life, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
- Christmas Shows and Concerts: Rehearsals are in full progress for our festive shows, which promise to be a delightful experience for all. These performances will showcase the incredible talent and hard work of our students. We are delighted to invite you to our concerts, where the beauty of music will evoke the holiday spirit and create a memorable experience for our entire school community.
- Creative and Seasonal Activities: As we approach the festive season, students have been engaging in arts, crafts, and other seasonal projects that celebrate this special time of year.
As we look forward to the new year, we remain committed to fostering an environment that supports academic excellence and personal growth. We will continue building on the successes of this term and create even more opportunities for our students to shine.
On behalf of the entire Richmond Park School team, we would like to thank you for your unwavering support. As always, we are grateful for the trust you place in us to educate and care for your children. Together, we are creating a school community where every child can thrive.
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to welcoming you back in January for another exciting term at Richmond Park School.
Warm regards.
Richmond Park School is a candidate school for the Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy -a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Richmond Park School believes is important for our students.
Only schools authorised by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.