Sale Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and students respond exceptionally well to leaders' and staff's extremely high expectations for their academic achievement, behaviour and personal development. Without exception, pupils and students are extremely proud to attend Sale Grammar School. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, consistently model the school values of 'aspire, act, achieve'.

Pupils described the school as one big family. They have trusting and supportive relationships with staff. Pupils feel safe and happy in school.

They are confident that staff deal with rare instances of bullying quickly and effectively.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Their attitudes to learning are... noteworthy.

Pupils and students approach their work with enthusiasm and diligence. They make full use of the learning opportunities available to them. They achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils' learning experiences are enhanced especially well by a comprehensive extra-curricular programme. This includes diverse and wide-ranging activities, from sports, music and languages to the rainbow LGBTQ+ club. These opportunities meet the varied interests and aspirations of pupils.

Pupils relish responsibility. They readily assume leadership roles such as volunteering in the library, helping younger pupils to read and by being student leaders.

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

Leaders, together with governors, have incredibly high aspirations for all pupils and students.

They are resolute in their determination to provide all pupils, including the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with an excellent all-round education. In key stage 4, pupils are able to choose freely from a broad range of subjects. All pupils, including those with SEND, study a modern foreign language.

Most pupils study the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.

Students in the sixth form are given the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects. They appreciate the enthusiasm that teachers have for their subjects.

Students reported that this makes them keen to learn.

Leaders have created an exceedingly ambitious curriculum. They have thought meticulously about the knowledge that they want pupils and students to learn.

This knowledge is carefully mapped out so that all teachers are clear about the order in which pupils and students should learn new content.

The exceptional curriculum design, coupled with teachers' expert curriculum delivery, means that pupils and students build a rich body of knowledge across many subjects. Staff use their specialist subject knowledge to select activities that are best placed to help pupils to build on what they already know and deepen their understanding.

Pupils and students connect new ideas with more sophisticated concepts effectively. They regularly engage in meaningful discussions and debates about their work. This ensures that the knowledge that they gain is secure in their memory.

As a result, pupils and students, including those with SEND, achieve highly across the curriculum.

Teachers are adept at using assessment techniques to check that pupils understand what is being taught. Teachers are highly effective in spotting misconceptions or gaps in pupils' learning, which they remedy quickly.

Leaders foster a deep love of reading. Older pupils and students have a voracious appetite for reading. Younger pupils look forward to the time that they have to read with their mentors.

Leaders have invested in an extensive range of high-quality diverse books to supply the new outdoor library. Teachers develop pupils' understanding of subject-specific vocabulary skilfully.

Leaders prioritise the early identification of pupils with SEND.

Pupils with SEND benefit from a highly supportive environment. Staff have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of these pupils. Pupils with SEND spoke favourably of the support that they receive to meet their academic and pastoral needs.

Behaviour in lessons and around the school is impeccable. Pupils show considered respect towards each other and to adults. They are curious and want to learn.

Leaders promote the extensive personal development of all pupils and students. They have a relentless commitment to ensuring that pupils and students have a secure understanding of current topical issues in society. Leaders demonstrate a deep and genuine dedication to ensuring that pupils and students develop into responsible, respectful and active citizens.

Pupils and students receive highly informative careers education, information, advice and guidance. This helps them to be very well prepared for their next steps into education, employment or training. All pupils in Year 11 and students in Year 13 move on to appropriate, aspirational destinations.

Leaders have won the trust of staff, parents, carers and pupils. Staff appreciate the consideration that leaders give to their workload and well-being. They spoke highly of the training that they receive to enhance their delivery of the curriculum further.

Governors are highly committed to the school. They support and challenge leaders well in equal measure.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

A strong culture of safeguarding permeates the school. Leaders' highly organised systems and effective communication with staff ensure that all pupils are kept safe.Leaders ensure that staff receive regular, comprehensive safeguarding training.

This equips staff well to be alert to the potential risks that pupils may face. Staff are vigilant. They know how to spot the signs of abuse and know what to do if they have any concerns about pupils.

Leaders work effectively with external agencies to ensure that vulnerable pupils and their families get the timely support that they need.

Pupils and students learn how to keep themselves safe from risks through the skills for life programme. Pupils know who to go to if they need support or advice.

Also at this postcode