Essendene Lodge was established as an independent school in 1966. It is situated in a quiet residential area close to Caterham Village in Surrey. The school is separated into three different departments: the pre-school (2 to 4 years), which was not the subject of this inspection; the infants (4 to 7 years); and the juniors (8 to 11 years). In the Infant Department all National Curriculum subjects are taught and children take part in Key Stage 1 national tests at the end of Year 2. In the Junior Department pupils are taught a wider range of subjects. They also have the opportunity to attend residential trips involving activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, quad biking and field studies. There are currently 125 children aged from 5 to 11 years on roll. Pupils attend the school from the local area and wider community. There are a few pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The school also supports a small number of pupils for whom English is not their mother tongue, although most of them are advanced bilingual learners. Summary of main findings Essendene Lodge is a good school that has many outstanding features. The school’s ethos engenders a family atmosphere in a professional learning environment. The school has a strong culture for promoting and celebrating the achievement and progress made by its pupils. The high standards set and clear vision for the school’s continued development are assured by the effective partnership between the principal and headteacher, supported by a strong management team. One of the parents wrote that the ‘school is run with passion and children are top priority’. The school provides high quality education and support for its pupils. The curriculum which incorporates all subjects of the National Curriculum is enriched and enhanced by extra-curricular activities, educational trips and visits. An emphasis on the development of reflective skills results in pupils having consideration and regard for each other. Pupils are well aware of their responsibilities and older pupils have opportunities to take responsibility within the school in order to promote independence and self-discipline. What the school does well:  the staff work together effectively as a team, along with other visitors, providing high quality teaching and support, which enable pupils to learn effectively and fulfil their potential;  there are very good relationships between the staff and pupils based on mutual respect, and the behaviour and the attitudes of pupils are exemplary;  all staff have high expectations of the pupils, which are based on good knowledge of their needs, abilities and progress;  communication within the school and throughout its wider community are very good;  the school incorporates innovative teaching techniques and resources with the more established methods to make learning interactive, enjoyable and meaningful; and  the senior leadership team provides excellent leadership and management that enable the school to provide very effectively for the pupils and to be able to develop the provision so that the quality of education continues to improve.