Ofsted conducted a no formal designation inspection of St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Grammar School on February 6 and 7, 2019. The inspection was prompted by Ofsted’s risk assessment procedures and aimed to evaluate the school’s safeguarding and overall effectiveness. The school, a Church of England faith institution within the Diocese of Rochester, has 1,093 pupils, with about 40% in the sixth form. The school selects pupils based on ability for entry into Year 7 and Year 12. The inspection team reviewed a wide range of evidence, including safeguarding arrangements, school policies, and the single central record of pre-employment checks. They met with pupils, staff, parents, and various stakeholders, including the governing body and local authority representatives.
The inspection found that safeguarding is effective, and the school’s overall effectiveness remains outstanding. The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection in March 2014, particularly following turbulence in leadership and policies that affected students' emotional and educational experiences. The previous headteacher was suspended, leading to a new leadership team, including a substantive headteacher who had been part of the senior leadership team. The inspection highlighted a shift in focus towards prioritizing students' well-being over academic success, with pupils reporting feeling well-supported and listened to.
Inspectors noted that the school has transformed its approach to emotional, physical, and mental well-being, with pupils expressing confidence in the support they receive. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding, and there is effective communication regarding potential concerns. Parents echoed positive sentiments about the school’s emphasis on well-being and pastoral care, with a high percentage expressing satisfaction with the school’s efforts to safeguard their children.
The inspection also evaluated the school’s policies regarding examination entries and progression into the sixth form. Inspectors found no evidence of pupils being discouraged from entering examinations or moving into Year 13 based on their performance. The local authority has monitored these practices closely, ensuring that previous issues have been addressed. The school’s ethos has shifted away from a culture of academic success at all costs, with the new headteacher emphasizing happiness and success in that order.
Pastoral leaders have effectively collaborated to enhance the personal, social, economic, and health education curriculum, with pupils reporting positive experiences in this area. The school has implemented comprehensive support systems, including counseling and access to external agencies. Pupils are aware of the importance of their mental health and have been taught various strategies to manage it.
The inspection also assessed the effectiveness of the governing body, which has undergone a cultural shift towards greater accountability and transparency. Governors are now more proactive in their oversight of school leadership and improvement efforts. Staff and parents have reported improved communication and confidence in leadership, although concerns about workload remain.
The local authority has commissioned a school improvement partner to assist the school in addressing recommendations from previous investigations. The school is encouraged to continue building on its recent improvements by systematically checking the impact of its strategies and drawing on best practices from other institutions. Additionally, enhancing the delivery of impartial careers guidance is a priority to broaden pupils' awareness of post-school opportunities. Overall, the inspection concluded that the school is effectively safeguarding its pupils and fostering an environment conducive to their well-being and academic success.
