Leicester Grammar School Trust

Leicester Grammar School Trust, located in Great Glen, Leicester, is a co-educational day school that caters to students aged 3 to 19. The school is governed by the Leicester Grammar School Trust, which oversees all sections of the institution. The school has a strong commitment to promoting intellectual curiosity and academic excellence, providing a stimulating curriculum that includes a wide range of co-curricular activities aimed at enhancing pupils' physical, cultural, and personal development. The school emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being, fostering a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging charitable contributions and community service.

The recent inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate from January 23 to 25, 2024, highlighted the school's effective leadership and management. The trustees play a crucial role in providing both challenge and support, ensuring that the school meets the required standards. They engage in thoughtful self-evaluation and actively seek feedback from pupils, parents, and staff, which helps leaders maintain a clear understanding of strategic priorities. The well-being of pupils is a significant focus for the school's leadership, which has made substantial investments in pastoral care to support students emotionally and academically.

Collaboration among senior and middle leaders is evident, contributing to the promotion of pupils' physical and emotional welfare. However, the report noted that collaboration within academic departments in the senior school is less consistent, which can hinder the sharing of effective teaching practices. The school offers a broad and stimulating curriculum, complemented by an extensive range of extracurricular opportunities that allow pupils to develop skills and confidence across various areas, including academic enrichment. Pupils generally perform at a high level and demonstrate strong participation in these activities.

The quality of education provided at Leicester Grammar School is commendable, with effective teaching strategies that enable pupils to achieve well and make good progress relative to their starting points. Relationships between teachers and pupils are built on mutual respect and a shared enthusiasm for learning. The school is adept at identifying and supporting the needs of all pupil groups, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL). Consequently, these pupils achieve in line with their peers.

Pupils exhibit self-belief and confidence, contributing positively to school life and responding well to opportunities to express their opinions. The school's decision to adopt a restorative approach to behavior management has fostered a culture of kindness and consideration among pupils, who recognize the importance of rules in maintaining a well-ordered community. The atmosphere within the school is calm and conducive to learning.

Leaders have successfully cultivated a culture that values diversity and inclusion, with pupils demonstrating acceptance and tolerance towards individuals of different faiths and beliefs. The school implements an effective careers program that equips pupils with the information and guidance needed to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Pupils actively engage in supporting local and national charities through fundraising events and positively interact with the local community.

The safeguarding measures in place at Leicester Grammar School are robust and effective. Staff receive regular and appropriate training, ensuring they are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and can act accordingly. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to promote pupil safety and well-being, ensuring that students receive the necessary support. The school has established clear procedures for managing risks and safeguarding concerns, which are regularly reviewed and updated.

The inspection report concluded that Leicester Grammar School 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 collaboration between and within academic departments to provide a more consistent teaching and learning experience for pupils.

The early years provision at the school includes two classes, catering for children aged three to five. The curriculum in the early years is designed to provide stimulating learning opportunities that foster the development of essential skills. In the junior school, subject leaders monitor the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of pupils, and the school has a strong focus on tracking key skills to support individual learning.

In the senior school, the curriculum is structured to enable pupils to make progress that often exceeds expectations based on their starting points. The school provides additional support in core subjects for pupils who require it, ensuring that all students can thrive academically. Throughout the school, teachers employ a variety of teaching methods and engage pupils effectively, resulting in a purposeful learning environment characterized by high expectations and intellectual engagement.

The school also prioritizes the development of pupils' social skills and moral awareness. Through personal, social, health, and economic education (PSHE) classes, pupils explore important themes related to human rights, social justice, and community responsibility. The curriculum promotes values such as democracy, the rule of law, and individual liberty, encouraging pupils to express their views and participate in school governance.

Leicester Grammar School Trust is committed to preparing pupils for life in British society by equipping them with the skills, values, and responsibilities necessary for their future. The school provides comprehensive careers guidance, ensuring that pupils receive impartial advice and opportunities to explore various vocations. The school's emphasis on community service and charitable contributions further enriches pupils' educational experience, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement with the wider world.

Overall, the inspection report reflects positively on Leicester Grammar School Trust, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, pupil well-being, and community engagement. The school is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing a high-quality education that prepares pupils for success in their future endeavors.