Maidstone Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

Leaders are determined to provide the best possible education for pupils in the school. Leaders, including governors, are ambitious for academic excellence as well as seeing the need to develop character, resilience and independence.

The headteacher and deputy headteachers lead the school with passion and determination. They have established a positive ethos which is helping to drive improvement, following a dip in outcomes in 2017. Capable and experienced governors carry out their duties conscientiously and rigorously.

They visit regularly and have an accurate understanding of the school. Teachers' strong subject knowledge fosters an eagerness to learn across... the school. Pupils show highly positive attitudes.

Leaders have improved the quality of teaching, which is good overall. However, there are some inconsistencies in teaching. Teachers do not use assessment information consistently well to provide the right level of challenge and support to pupils.

Some subject leaders have tackled the variability in teaching and pupils' progress more effectively than others. Better teaching over the last 18 months means that outcomes have improved. Attainment is well above national levels.

The progress made by current pupils is good. Students in the sixth form have high aspirations, and their achievement is improving rapidly. Students are well prepared for their next steps.

The taught curriculum is broad, rich and ambitious. Pupils also benefit from a wide range of cultural, sporting and community-based enrichment and extra-curricular activities. Careers education, advice and guidance are particular strengths.

Pupils' personal development is outstanding. Pupils thrive within the school's ethos to foster the growth of the whole individual alongside high expectations. The house system enhances the 'family feel' of the school.

Support for pupils' mental health is well established. Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils' conduct is excellent, and they show respect and care towards each other and adults.

Attendance is above national levels. Safeguarding is a real strength of the school. Vulnerable pupils benefit from timely and effective support when required.

Information about this school

Maidstone Grammar School is a larger-than-average-sized selective boys' school. It admits girls into the sixth form. The proportions of pupils from multi-ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are below the national average.

A below-average proportion of pupils with SEND attend the school. The number of pupils who are disadvantaged is also below the national average. No pupils currently attend alternative provision.