The Grammar School At Leeds

The Grammar School at Leeds, an independent co-educational day school, has undergone a recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from October 10 to 12, 2023. The school, which serves students aged three to eighteen, is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters academic success and personal development. The inspection aimed to evaluate the extent to which the school meets the statutory Independent School Standards and other applicable regulatory requirements.

The leadership and governance of the school are characterized by knowledgeable and experienced leaders who prioritize the wellbeing of pupils in their planning and decision-making processes. The governors play a crucial role in supporting and challenging the leadership team, ensuring that the school meets its responsibilities and objectives. They maintain an informed overview of the school's strategic and operational development, which contributes to a positive educational environment.

The curriculum offered at The Grammar School at Leeds is broad and balanced, catering for the diverse needs of pupils. The school emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, and pupils make good progress due to effective teaching and well-planned lessons. The positive relationships between teachers and pupils foster good behavior and engagement in lessons, contributing to a supportive learning atmosphere. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, enabling them to make significant progress alongside their peers.

In the early years, children are well-prepared for their next stage of education, demonstrating good progress. The school effectively supports pupils with English as an Additional Language, ensuring they achieve a functional level of English and can engage fully in their learning. However, the primary and senior schools utilize different systems to track pupils' achievements, which can impact the transition from primary to secondary education. The school has implemented single-sex teaching for secondary pupils, closely monitoring the equality of provision to ensure both groups make good progress.

The school has established personal, social, and health education (PSHE) and relationships and sex education (RSE) programs to support pupils' personal development. While the PSHE curriculum is effective, the teaching of RSE to older pupils has been identified as an area for improvement, as some content is repetitive and does not engage students effectively. The extensive extracurricular program enhances pupils' learning experiences and promotes inclusion, with a focus on equality, diversity, and respect for others.

Pupils feel safe within the school environment, supported by appropriate staff supervision and a strong emphasis on health and safety. The school has implemented strategies to address instances of inappropriate language among pupils, although the effectiveness of these strategies is still being evaluated. Pupils are well-informed about cyberbullying and understand how to stay safe online, with the school prioritizing their welfare and mental health.

The curriculum also provides effective social and economic education, with events such as Black History Month celebrated to promote awareness and discussion. Multi-faith assemblies enhance pupils' understanding of different beliefs and cultural traditions, fostering respect and appreciation for diversity. Pupils actively contribute to society through charity fundraising and community work, developing a sense of responsibility and teamwork through initiatives like the Combined Cadet Force.

The safeguarding measures in place at The Grammar School at Leeds are robust, with a well-trained safeguarding leadership team and appropriate procedures to ensure pupils' safety. Staff receive regular training to stay updated on safeguarding practices, and the school engages with local agencies for support and guidance. The school maintains comprehensive records of recruitment procedures, ensuring that all staff are appropriately vetted.

Overall, the inspection concluded that The Grammar School at Leeds meets all relevant standards across various areas, including leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The school is encouraged to enhance transition arrangements between primary and secondary education, strengthen the RSE curriculum, and address pupil behavior outside of lessons.

The Grammar School at Leeds aims to inspire young minds academically and in co-curricular activities while fostering personal relationships. The school seeks to create a positive, caring, and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to become confident, resilient, and capable. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains a place of learning and success for all its pupils.