Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School is an independent day school located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, registered as a single-sex institution for male pupils. It is part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, which includes Wakefield Girls’ High School and Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School. The school underwent a significant change in September 2021 when the junior and senior sections of the boys' schools merged into a single all-through school. The sixth form shares some teaching with Wakefield Girls’ High School. The Foundation operates a central administration with a single governing body overseeing the schools. A new head was appointed in September 2021 to manage the combined junior and senior sections.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school remained open only for children of key workers from March to August 2020, providing remote learning materials for all pupils during the closure. The inspection process for this report was adapted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to minimize contact within the school. The Department for Education's guidance at the time meant that no evaluations were made regarding the effectiveness of provisions during the lockdown periods, although concerns related to pupils' welfare were considered.

The school aims to blend traditional values with a modern approach, fostering a sense of discovery and intellectual curiosity among pupils. It seeks to provide opportunities for self-expression and the development of self-confidence, enabling pupils to achieve high academic standards and develop excellent character traits. Pupils come from diverse professional backgrounds, and national standardized test data indicate that their abilities are above average. The school supports 175 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, all of whom receive specialized learning support. Additionally, 90 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, with very few requiring extra assistance.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate, approved by the Secretary of State, conducts inspections to assess compliance with the Independent School Standards and other regulatory requirements. This focused compliance inspection, combined with an educational quality inspection, evaluates the school's adherence to standards related to safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the quality of education provided.

The inspection found that the school meets all applicable standards, with no further action required. The quality of education is confirmed to enable pupils to make good progress, supported by a well-documented curriculum and effective teaching practices. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, complying with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizenship. The school has effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, including health and safety measures, first aid provision, and supervision. The school maintains appropriate records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The school ensures the suitability of staff through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical needs and outdoor activities. A range of information is published for parents, including details about the school's ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and complaints. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, with clear timelines and records maintained.

Leadership and management are effective, with the proprietor ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting pupil well-being. The quality of education provided is excellent, with pupils demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning and a willingness to participate in various activities. All groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, achieve well due to effective tracking and feedback mechanisms.

Pupils' personal development is also excellent, characterized by positive relationships with peers and teachers, collaborative skills, and a strong sense of community. They are aware of the importance of mental health and well-being, actively engaging in initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, fostering a culture of support and collaboration.

The quality of pupils' academic achievements is outstanding, with high levels of attainment in GCSE and A-level examinations. The school has maintained excellent results during the pandemic, with pupils successfully securing places at prestigious universities. Pupils exhibit strong communication skills, analytical abilities, and a commitment to their studies, supported by a culture that values academic excellence.

Pupils' numeracy skills are highly developed, and they apply these skills across various subjects and real-life contexts. The school promotes participation in extracurricular activities, with pupils excelling in sports, music, and the arts. The diverse range of opportunities available encourages all pupils to engage, regardless of their abilities.

Overall, the school successfully fosters a sense of discovery, intellectual curiosity, and self-confidence among its pupils, preparing them for future success. The positive school culture, high expectations, and supportive environment contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive academically and socially. The commitment to excellence in both academic and extracurricular pursuits ensures that pupils leave the school as confident, capable, and responsible individuals ready to take on the challenges of the modern world.