Otley Prince Henry’s Grammar School Specialist Language College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and staff are proud to be part of this exceptional school community. Pupils are ambitious for their futures. Staff have high expectations of everyone.

Pupils' academic success and personal achievements are recognised. Many pupils achieve exceptionally well. Everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

Pupils respect and celebrate each other's differences. The school ensures that everyone can, and will, succeed in their future endeavours.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent.

Staff rarely need to issue reminders about expectations. Pupils are resilient and hard-working. They contribute well to lessons.

Students in the sixth form demonstrate exc...ellent commitment to their studies. They are role models for younger pupils. The school provides high-quality academic and pastoral support for all.

Pupils know that if they need help, staff will always provide it.

Pupils develop into responsible citizens. They appreciate people who are different or less fortunate than themselves.

Long-standing partnerships with schools in other countries benefit those involved. Charity work and community action underpin the school's values. Pupil leadership opportunities are vast.

The school encourages everyone to participate in the wider life of the school. Because staff are supportive, caring and passionate, pupils thrive. The school shapes young people's lives positively and inspires them for future success.

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

The school's curriculum is regularly reviewed and refined. This ensures that it meets the needs of all pupils well. An ambitious range of subjects are on offer at the school.

Many pupils study more than one language, separate sciences and the humanities. The wider curriculum offer is also exceptional. Pupils' talents and interests are nurtured.

As a result, pupils perform and produce work at the highest level in sport and the arts.

Pupils achieve highly because they have developed the skills and knowledge that they need at each stage of their education. Students in the sixth form benefit from a strong foundation in key stages 3 and 4 to succeed as they get older.

When pupils struggle to understand the content of the curriculum, teachers know why this is the case. They plan additional teaching or provide specific support to help pupils overcome barriers to learning. This is particularly effective for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Training opportunities at the school are of a high quality. Staff are skilled and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. Lessons in the sixth form, often containing complex content, are expertly implemented.

Students are encouraged to be independent and ambitious. Many sixth-form students achieve highly in academic and vocational qualifications. The vast majority go on to higher education or apprenticeships.

A love of reading is promoted at the school. Dedicated reading lessons in the English curriculum ensure that pupils read widely and often. Pupils at an early stage of learning to read get specific and effective support from specialist staff.

The school uses a variety of assessments to find out what pupils' specific needs might be. This is also the case for pupils with SEND. The school leaves no stone unturned when identifying how to support pupils at all stages of their education, including students in the sixth form.

The school acts swiftly to remove barriers to learning. For example, the attendance of disadvantaged pupils has not met the school's ambitious targets over time. This has been rapidly addressed and improvements have been made, and the impact of the school's work is tangible.

This has impacted positively on pupils' achievement over time.

What the school offers pupils outside of the academic and vocational curriculum is remarkable in its breadth and ambition. Visits within the UK and beyond broaden pupils' horizons.

The school closely monitors involvement in all trips and activities so that they are accessible to everyone. Pupils strongly value these opportunities. The school is accredited locally and nationally for its work on equalities, the environment, in sports and in the arts.

The personal, social and health education at the school is extensive. It is deliberately planned to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. It also helps pupils know how to stay safe online and in person.

Pupils understand positive relationships and respect one another. Careers provision at the school is excellent. Vulnerable pupils are prioritised for advice and guidance.

The proportion of pupils not in education, employment or training after leaving school is low.

The school has a skilled and committed staff body. Well-being and workload are carefully considered when making changes.

Staff feel valued and well supported. Parents and carers praise the care and attention given to pupils at the school and students in the sixth form.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.