Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, located in Ramsgate, Kent, underwent an inspection on March 5 and 7, 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of inadequate. The quality of education was rated as good, while behavior and attitudes were also deemed good. However, personal development, as well as leadership and management, were rated inadequate. The sixth-form provision received a good rating. The headteacher, Debra Liddicoat, leads the school, which operates as a single-academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by John Waker.
The inspection revealed significant concerns regarding the school's safeguarding practices. Trustees and leaders failed to meet several statutory duties, particularly in relation to safeguarding and the impact of separating pupils by sex. The school’s recruitment practices were criticized for potentially putting pupils at risk. Pupils are not given the opportunity to be educated alongside members of the opposite sex, which has led to complaints about missed learning opportunities and social interactions. This separation has resulted in some pupils feeling anxious in mixed classes, particularly in the upper school. The inspectors noted that the school's approach to separating pupils by sex amounts to unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Despite the high expectations for pupil achievement, which are generally met, there are notable attendance issues among certain groups, particularly disadvantaged pupils. While most pupils behave well and show respect towards each other and staff, some groups, including Year 10 girls, have lower attendance rates. The sixth form's attendance monitoring was found to be inadequate, raising concerns about student safety and oversight.
The school has a well-structured curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects, leading to high achievement levels among pupils. However, the delivery of the curriculum varies between boys and girls, with differences noted in topics studied and activities assigned. For instance, girls are required to participate in an annual dance competition, while boys are not. This inconsistency raises concerns about equality and fairness in the educational experience.
The inspection highlighted weaknesses in the school's understanding of its statutory duties, particularly regarding the Equality Act. Leaders and trustees have not adequately considered the implications of their policies, particularly the separation of pupils by sex, which has not been reviewed for its impact on educational outcomes. The lack of oversight in safeguarding practices, particularly in staff recruitment, has created a culture that places pupils at risk.
While the school provides a range of extracurricular activities and has a robust careers education program, the overall culture of safeguarding is insufficient. Staff training on identifying at-risk pupils lacks follow-up to ensure effectiveness. The school has not engaged parents regarding recent curriculum changes, particularly in relationships, sex, and health education.
In summary, while Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School has strengths in its educational offerings and pupil behavior, significant concerns regarding safeguarding, leadership, and the impact of its policies on pupil equality and well-being have led to an inadequate rating overall. Immediate action is required to address these issues and ensure compliance with statutory obligations, particularly in safeguarding and equality practices.
