Stretford Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection.

However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. The school's next inspection will be a graded inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Stretford Grammar School is an inspirational place to learn.

Pupils flourish in this warm and welcoming learning environment. It is a place where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel happy and safe.

Pupils live up to the extremely high expectations set by the... school for their academic achievement and their behaviour.

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, achieve highly across a broad range of subjects. They are very well prepared for the next stage in their education, employment or training.

The school has a positive atmosphere, where pupils' praiseworthy behaviour supports their learning exceptionally well.

Pupils show the utmost respect for each other and for staff. For example, the welcome that pupils give to visitors, including in their motivation to describe their learning, is striking.

Pupils benefit from an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

For instance, many pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Other pupils enjoy, for example, debating, robotics, jewellery making and knitting clubs. Pupils make a significant contribution to school life through acting as prefects, ambassadors, and school parliamentarians.

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

The school has a deep-rooted ambition for all pupils to shine academically. To this end, the school has designed an exceptionally effective curriculum. It has meticulously identified and organised the important knowledge that pupils should learn across a wide range of subjects.

Pupils, including students in the sixth form, build their knowledge cumulatively and confidently as they progress through the curriculum.Across subjects, teachers deliver the curriculum with expertise and enthusiasm. Teachers ask searching questions to deepen pupils' learning.

Regular checks ensure that any gaps in pupils' understanding are addressed quickly. Pupils know what they need to do to improve their work. Students in the sixth form produce high-quality work.

Pupils and students are encouraged to read widely for pleasure and to enhance their academic studies. The school is quick to identify pupils who find reading more difficult. Staff deliver successful programmes of support to help these pupils to catch up quickly with their peers.

Teachers adapt their delivery of the curriculum expertly to help ensure that pupils with SEND learn well. Staff have a thorough understanding of the individual learning needs of pupils with SEND. This helps to ensure that pupils' needs are identified quickly and accurately.

Pupils with SEND achieve highly.

Pupils take their learning seriously and approach their studies with enthusiasm. The school ensures that parents, carers and pupils know why it is important to attend school every day.

Strong systems reinforce the high expectations set for pupils' attendance. Most pupils attend school regularly.

Pupils know how to stay safe both online and in the community.

They learn about physical, mental and financial well-being. Pupils understand the importance of equality and they described fundamental British values confidently. Pupils receive a well-considered programme of careers education.

They are well supported to achieve their ambitious aims and they are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain.

The school, including governors, has the full confidence of pupils, staff and parents. Governors challenge and support leaders robustly to ensure that the strong quality of education that pupils receive is maintained.

Despite the consistently high quality of provision that pupils receive, staff aspire for further continuous improvement. Staff reported a high degree of satisfaction. Parents hold the school in high regard.

Staff appreciate the school's support in maintaining a reasonable workload.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.

This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be good in February 2019.