Dover Grammar School for Boys

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this ambitious, inclusive school.

The school motto 'Fiat Lux' (Let There Be Light) informs all that the school does. The school has the highest expectations of pupils in all aspects of school life. They rise to the challenge.

Pupils are motivated to learn and achieve highly. As one parent said, reflecting the views of many: 'DGSB is a fantastic school that really pushes my son to be his best.'

Behaviour in the school is exemplary because relationships across the school are very strong.

Pupils and staff are kind and caring towards each other. Diversity is welcomed and celebrated. Pupils have no concerns about bullying and are kept sa...fe.

They know that staff will respond swiftly and effectively to any concerns.

Pupils flourish, benefiting from the extensive range of enrichment activities available to them. There is a wide choice of clubs to develop pupils' musical, creative and sporting talents, such as jazz band and film club.

There is an abundance of trips and visits, both local and international. Many pupils are members of the Combined Cadet Force. Pupils hold many leadership positions, including as 'Fiat Lux' scholars and mentors and as members of the student parliament.

Sixth-form students are excellent role models for their younger peers.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for the school. They are determined to provide opportunities for pupils to become the best version of themselves.

Staff give their time tirelessly to support pupils. All staff, including recently qualified teachers, speak highly of the support and professional development they receive. They greatly value the consideration leaders give to their workload and well-being.

Governors are loyal and committed. They carry out their statutory duties effectively and provide valuable support and challenge.

The school has designed an ambitious curriculum.

Pupils study an appropriately broad range of subjects in key stage 3. In key stage 4, the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects is studied by all pupils, combined with other subjects from a wide choice. The improved school facilities have enabled the school to offer new subjects, such as drama and food technology.

In the sixth form, students can study a range of academic subjects, which cater for their interests and potential career pathways.

In many subjects, the curriculum has been carefully designed to build pupils' knowledge and skills with increasing complexity from Years 7 to 13. However, this is not the case in all areas.

Consequently, some students reach the sixth form with insecure knowledge and skills, which affects their levels of achievement. Published examination outcomes in the sixth form are not as strong as in key stage 4.

The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) swiftly and accurately.

Teachers receive detailed information about how they can meet the needs of pupils with SEND, as well as disadvantaged pupils. Teachers make excellent use of this information to provide appropriate support. Consequently, pupils with SEND, as well as disadvantaged pupils, achieve well across the curriculum.

Teachers are experts in their subjects. They plan thought-provoking and demanding activities. They make clear links to prior learning, which help pupils to reinforce and develop their knowledge.

They use questioning and discussion well to make sure that pupils have understood new content. Robust approaches to checking what pupils know help teachers to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and provide timely support where needed. Consequently, pupils deepen their understanding and remember facts and ideas, often from some time ago.

They are confident, articulate learners who produce high-quality work.

Most pupils join the school with strong reading skills. The school identifies any pupils who may need extra help and ensures that this is swiftly provided so that pupils become more confident and fluent readers.

Pupils are encouraged to read widely and develop a love of reading. The school library is a wonderful resource for pupils to enjoy.

Pupils' positive attitudes to their education are reflected in their high attendance.

Staff know their pupils very well and work tirelessly with families to address any difficulties pupils may have with attending school.

Personal development provision is extremely well organised. Pupils learn through a carefully considered programme that broadens their horizons and deepens their cultural understanding.

Pupils learn how to stay safe and look after their health and well-being. In the sixth form, the personal, social, health and economic curriculum addresses issues such as respect, consent, sexual harassment and healthy relationships appropriately and thoroughly. Throughout the school, pupils have opportunities to explore the fundamental British values and why they are important.

There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to find out about future careers through the 'DGSB Futures' programme. For example, they hear from visiting speakers, attend careers fairs and learn about the world of work first hand through work placements. Many go on to high-quality universities and apprenticeships.

Those aiming for the most prestigious universities benefit from additional support and guidance through the school's 'Top Achievers Programme' . Consequently, all pupils are very well prepared to consider and move on to their next steps.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum sequencing in a few curriculum areas is not as advanced as it is in others. This means that pupils do not always secure the knowledge and skills they need for later study, especially in the sixth form. The school must ensure that all aspects of the curriculum are well sequenced from Year 7 to 13 so that pupils achieve well across all subjects studied.