Wisbech Grammar School

Wisbech Grammar School, an independent day and boarding institution established in 1379, is located in the heart of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The school caters to a diverse age range, from early years (ages 3 to 5) through to sixth form (ages 16 to 19). The current headmaster is Mr. Chris Staley, and the school is owned by Mr. Jay Liu. With a total enrollment of 541 pupils, including 20 boarders primarily from mainland China, the school aims to provide a broad educational experience that fosters academic, creative, sporting, and personal strengths among its students.

The school has undergone significant developments since its last inspection, including the opening of two boarding houses for international students and extensive refurbishments to enhance facilities. The inspection considered the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected educational delivery and operations.

The school’s mission is to create a collaborative community where staff, pupils, and families work together to help every child achieve their personal goals. This is facilitated through expert teaching, support, and opportunities for skill development beyond the classroom. The pupil demographic is varied, with most students coming from professional, entrepreneurial, and farming backgrounds within a 20-mile radius. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate support is provided.

The regulatory compliance inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards as outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. Key findings indicated that while the quality of education provided is generally good, there are areas requiring immediate attention, particularly in safeguarding practices. The school has been advised to ensure that suitable references are obtained for staff prior to their commencement of work.

In terms of educational quality, the school has demonstrated good progress in pupil achievement. The curriculum is well-documented and supports effective teaching, enabling pupils to make good progress. The school’s assessment framework confirms that teaching in the preparatory school allows pupils to excel, while GCSE and A-level results from recent years indicate that pupils are achieving well compared to national averages. However, there are concerns regarding the development of study skills among younger pupils, which the school is encouraged to address.

The personal development of pupils is a strong point, with the school actively promoting values that foster responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to express their views, and their opinions are taken into account by staff. The school has established a prefect system that is effectively managed, contributing to a positive school environment.

Welfare, health, and safety measures are generally well-implemented, with appropriate policies in place to safeguard pupils. However, the school must improve its adherence to statutory guidance regarding staff references. The school has made provisions for first aid, health and safety, and supervision of pupils, ensuring that they are adequately cared for.

The suitability of staff is assessed through appropriate checks, and the school maintains a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical activities.

The school effectively communicates information to parents and stakeholders, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately.

Leadership and management at the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, with the proprietor ensuring that most standards are consistently met. However, there is a need for improved oversight regarding recruitment procedures to ensure compliance with all standards.

The educational quality inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils’ academic achievements is good, with pupils demonstrating excellent communication skills and numeracy. They are successful in various academic and extracurricular activities, benefiting from a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests. However, there is a need for the school to enhance the development of computing skills and ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to develop their study skills fully.

Pupils exhibit a strong sense of personal development, showing respect for diversity and actively contributing to the school community. They engage in various responsibilities and demonstrate leadership skills in collaborative settings. The school promotes a healthy lifestyle, and pupils are knowledgeable about online safety, reflecting the effectiveness of the school’s educational programs.

Overall, while Wisbech Grammar School has many strengths, including a commitment to pupil development and a broad curriculum, it must address specific compliance issues and enhance certain areas of educational delivery to ensure that all pupils can achieve their full potential. The school is encouraged to take immediate action to remedy identified deficiencies and continue to foster an environment that supports the holistic development of its pupils.