Spalding Grammar School already ‘planning for improvement’ despite good Ofsted rating

A school which can boast a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ has been rated good by inspectors.

However, headteacher Steven Wilkinson says Spalding Grammar School is already working on ways to make improvements.

“There is much in the report that is positive and accurately reflects the day-to-day life in the school,” he wrote in a letter to parents.

“There is also some detail on where we need to improve and we take that on board, accept it as accurate and have already begun to plan for that improvement.

“We also have a great deal more feedback gathered from inspectors during their visit, which wasn’t included in the final report, to help and aid planning.”

The Grammar School was rated good following an Ofsted inspection on February 6 and 7.

As well as its overall rating, the school also rated good in five categories, these were the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision.

The report described pupils as ‘happy, polite and respectful’, also highlighting opportunities provided inside and outside of school time.

“Pupils enjoy a broad range of academic subjects and extra-curricular opportunities at Spalding Grammar School,” it read.

“They are well prepared for their next steps in education and their lives in modern Britain.

“They achieve well and many go on to aspirational destinations to pursue their ambitions.

“At lunchtimes and after school, many pupils enthusiastically take part in activities that include sports, games and performing arts.”

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The report also stated pupils have opportunities to go on trips that include outdoor activities and foreign visits, as well as many taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

“There is an active school council that represents pupils and influences decisions that affect school life. Sixth form students act as role models and take on responsibilities to support the school community,” it continued.

Specialist staff were described as knowledgeable in all subjects, while the ‘broad range of subjects that supports students’ interests and aspirations’ was also praised.

“Students are highly motivated and use their time well to meet the demands of the challenging curriculum,” it added.

“They are well supported academically and pastorally. This helps students to develop very mature attitudes and independence.”

The report also addressed areas where it felt the school could improve.

“The school needs to make sure that staff routinely check pupils learning and adapt lessons to meet the needs of all pupils,” it said.

“The school’s routines and procedures for managing poor behaviour are not always applied effectively. The school needs to ensure that high expectations for behaviour are shared by all staff and that routines are applied consistently and fairly.”

Spalding Grammar School, which has almost 1,000 pupils aged between 11 and 18, also rated good at its previous inspection in 2020.