Granta School, located in Linton, Cambridge, underwent an inspection on April 24 and 25, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were also rated as Requires Improvement, while personal development was rated as Good. The school serves a diverse population of students aged 4 to 19, all of whom have an education, health, and care plan due to a range of special educational needs, including moderate to profound learning difficulties and autism.
Pupils at Granta School enjoy their time at school and engage positively with their peers. They feel safe and well cared for, with strong relationships between staff and students. However, the school has faced challenges due to significant staff turnover and absences, which have hindered improvements in the quality of education. Consequently, some pupils have not received the level of teaching they require, leading to disengagement in learning for certain students.
The curriculum offered is broad and includes valuable experiences such as swimming and cookery, which help prepare pupils for independent living. Many students leave the school with qualifications that facilitate their transition to college. However, the current curriculum lacks detail and does not ensure that pupils of the same age receive similar educational experiences. The school is aware of these shortcomings and has begun to revise the curriculum, particularly in subjects like English and personal, social, and health education, where plans are now of good quality.
Despite some effective teaching practices in certain classes, the overall pace of improvement in educational quality has been slow. Staff changes have limited opportunities for professional development, which is essential for enhancing teaching skills. While phonics instruction is consistently delivered, other aspects of reading instruction, such as the use of books and stories, vary in quality. The organization and appeal of reading materials available for pupils are also areas needing improvement.
Behavior among pupils has improved significantly since the last inspection, with most students demonstrating good behavior in classrooms. However, not all staff are equally skilled in engaging pupils or managing classroom dynamics, leading to instances of disengagement. The school has a strong personal, social, and health education program that encourages pupils to discuss diverse lifestyles and express their opinions. Regular trips and experiences in drama and music further enrich the students' education.
Leadership at Granta School is aware of the necessary changes for improvement and has taken steps to recruit governors with relevant experience to support school leaders. The governing body has also reviewed staff recruitment and retention strategies, resulting in a more stable workforce. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school must develop a comprehensive and quality curriculum that provides clear guidance for teachers. There is a need for consistent teaching practices across all subjects, particularly in reading instruction. Additionally, staff training must be prioritized to better support pupils with special educational needs and ensure they remain engaged in learning. The school also requires sufficient leadership capacity to facilitate rapid improvement in educational quality. Overall, while Granta School has strengths, particularly in pupil well-being and personal development, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and ensure all pupils receive the support they need to thrive.
