Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students make excellent progress and attain very high standards.

Their achievement is exceptional in science and mathematics. Many students undertake original and innovative research alongside professional scientists and engineers. The curriculum goes far beyond the requirements of examinations by delivering greater depth in academic subjects, a rich programme of lectures and courses and numerous additional activities in sports and arts.

The development of students' intellectual skills and ethical integrity underpins the school's approach to education. Students assimilate valuable attitudes and attributes through the school's phi...losophy and ethos. Students are taught extremely well by enthusiastic, dedicated and, in some cases, inspirational teachers.

Excellent, respectful relationships between staff and students contribute to the high quality of learning. Students who have particular learning needs receive outstanding support to reach their full potential; parents value the thoughtful consideration given to their welfare. The sixth form is outstanding.

Practically all students move on to prestigious higher education institutions or universities. In all years, students flourish both academically and socially. They mature into well-rounded young adults who are considerate of others and confident to tackle whatever their future lives may bring.

Students' behaviour and their desire to learn are outstanding. The promotion of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness has a high and successful focus. Students enjoy all aspects of school life and feel safe and well cared for.

The headteacher and senior managers lead with confidence and successfully focus on the school's philosophy of nurturing an all-round education over seven years. Subject and pastoral leaders are effective and accountable for students' academic performance and personal development. The governing body fully supports the school's science specialism and broad curriculum.

It combines this with critical analysis of any areas of relative underachievement or concern.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized secondary school. It often refers to itself as 'The Langton'.

The school specialises in science and mathematics and promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education vigorously. It has working links with major organisations such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and has a purpose-built facility for scientific research. The sixth form is mixed, with about twice as many boys as girls.

It has grown considerably in recent years and now has close to 500 students. It is the largest school sixth form in Kent. About one in five students come from minority ethnic backgrounds, the largest group being of Eastern European heritage.

A below average proportion of students speak English as an additional language, of whom less than half are at an early stage of learning English. A very low proportion of students are eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for specific groups, including looked after children, students known to be eligible for free school meals and children of service families. The school has extremely few looked after children and children of service families.

No Year 7 students are eligible for catch-up funding. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is well below the national average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is low.

The school provides for students on the autistic spectrum disorder. They are cared for within a faculty of support and guidance, no longer in a separate unit. They are rarely taught in the faculty but use it as a base to discuss their learning and personal needs.

The school does not use any alternative off-site education provision. The school works collaboratively with Canterbury Academy to support the academy's curriculum and teaching of the most able students and so that it can learn from the academy's teachers' expertise. The school exceeds the government's current floor standards, which sets the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.

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