Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher and his senior leadership team have the very highest expectations and have developed an inspirational learning culture which is embraced by staff and students.

They have implemented a quality of learning initiative in their vision of ensuring teaching and achievement are of the very highest quality and that students take responsibility for their own learning. The sixth form is outstanding. Achievement, teaching, behaviour and leadership are all of a very high quality in the sixth form.

Achievement is outstanding. The proportion of students who achieve A* and A grades is very high. Students made rapid and sustained progress in the lessons observed ...and in most subjects over time.

Achievement in modern foreign languages is improving, but is not yet outstanding. Teaching is outstanding. Teachers plan and deliver learning experiences for students that enthuse them and also develop their independence.

Students thrive on being challenged, take responsibility for their own learning and show great resilience and a determination to succeed. Exemplary behaviour makes a significant contribution to the outstanding quality of learning in lessons. Students are polite and courteous, and show a high level of respect to their teachers and each other and a passion for learning.

Leadership and management are outstanding. The leadership of teaching has been instrumental in teaching and achievement being outstanding. Heads of department and key stages also provide outstanding leadership in their areas.

Performance management is used to maintain high expectations. The curriculum provides rich and memorable opportunities for students and the range of extra-curricular activities is wide ranging. A few parents and carers did comment, rightly, that they felt communication between the school and home could be more effective so that they could fully support their child's progress.

Information about the school

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a selective school of average size. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is very low, as is the proportion of students supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The school exceeds the government's current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.

Since the previous inspection, there have been some new members of the senior leadership team which has decreased in size overall. There is also a new Chair of the Governing Body. The school has received many awards including the Information and Communications Technology mark and Healthy Schools, Leading Edge and Investors in People status.