Urmston Grammar Academy, located in Manchester, was inspected by Ofsted on May 24 and 25, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of Good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy in 2010, following a long gap due to previous exemptions from routine inspections.
The school fosters a welcoming community where pupils and students express happiness and pride in their educational environment. They demonstrate high motivation and a strong work ethic, aligning with the high expectations set by their teachers. The academic rigor in lessons is appreciated by students, leading to commendable achievements across various subjects, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The behaviour of pupils and sixth-form students is noted as polite and respectful, with rare incidents of bullying reported. Students feel safe and supported, with sixth-formers acting as positive role models through mentoring programs.
Urmston Grammar Academy offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for debating, drama, music, sports, and opportunities for participation in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Pupils value the emphasis on diversity and the opportunities to support their understanding of different backgrounds. The leadership team, including trustees, is ambitious for all students, ensuring that everyone has the necessary opportunities to succeed. The curriculum is well-designed, providing breadth and depth of knowledge across subjects, with particular improvements noted in humanities and arts.
Teachers present subject matter clearly and possess strong subject knowledge, which contributes to effective learning experiences. Leaders of special educational needs ensure that teachers are equipped to support all pupils, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers. Most teachers effectively assess pupil learning, addressing misconceptions and filling gaps in knowledge. However, in a few subjects, particularly at key stage three, there is room for improvement in the consistency of assessment practices.
Reading is prioritized across the curriculum, with regular assessments to identify and address gaps in pupils' reading knowledge. Initiatives to foster a love of reading and improve vocabulary are in place, including book clubs and poetry competitions. The school promotes personal development through a well-structured program that covers essential topics such as respect, healthy relationships, and online safety. Leaders are working to enhance the personal development curriculum further, particularly regarding sexual harassment and consent.
Work experience opportunities are provided for students in Year 10 and the sixth form, ensuring they develop essential work-related skills. The school offers robust careers education, preparing students for their next steps in education, employment, or training. Overall, pupils and students exhibit a positive attitude towards their education, with calm and respectful behaviour that facilitates a conducive learning environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Urmston Grammar Academy are effective, with leaders actively promoting a culture of safety. Staff receive appropriate training and are confident in identifying and reporting concerns. The school collaborates with external agencies to support at-risk pupils. While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum and assessment practices in a small number of subjects to ensure all pupils build on their prior learning effectively.