Grammar still ‘good’ school

Plans for improvements at Spalding Grammar School are being implemented after the latest Ofsted report.

The school has been rated Good, the same grading as the previous report.
“There is much in the report that is positive and accurately reflects day-to-day life in the school,” said headmaster Steven Wilkinson in a letter to parents.
“There is also some detail on where we need to improve and we take that on board, accept it as accurate, and have already begun to plan for that improvement,” he continued.
The single-sex school has 999 boys on the roll aged between 11 and 18.
The Ofsted inspection team awarded the school ‘good’ in each of the five key areas of education quality, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and sixth-form provision.
“Pupils enjoy a broad range of academic subjects and extra-curricular opportunities,” says the report.
“Many pupils enthusiastically take part in activities that include sport, games and performing arts. All pupils have the opportunities to go on trips that include outdoor activities and foreign visits.”
The report also says some pupils ‘do not enjoy school life as much as they should. They told inspectors that they do not always feel that they are part of a supportive school community. Some pupils are concerned about the behaviour of a minority of their peers.’
The report highlights the ‘mature attitudes’ of the vast majority of pupils while saying some are impolite or disrespectful to others.
“In some lessons, a small number of pupils disrupt learning,” the inspection notes.
While acknowledging the school has routines to address poor behaviour, they are not consistently applied by all staff.
There are a broad range of subjects to support interests and aspirations in the sixth form and a wider enrichment programme.
“Students are highly motivated and use their time well to meet the demands of the challenging curriculum. They are well supported academically and pastorally,” the inspectors noted.
Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities can fully participate in school life at the grammar school.
“The school identifies effectively how to provide extra support.”
In his letter to parents, Mr Wilkinson said there was ‘a great deal more feedback’ from the inspectors than was included.
“I thank parents who contributed to the inspection process.”
There was no comment from the school at the time of going to press.