Torquay Girls Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are encouraged to become the 'history makers' of the future.

When planning their future careers, they aspire for professional lives and positions of responsibility. Over half of students in the sixth form go on to study for degrees in 'STEM' subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Ultimately, pupils live up to the school's exceptionally high expectations of them.

The girls are courageous in their choices, often challenging gender stereotypes.

The school's high ambition for what pupils can achieve academically is balanced with a focus on them becoming a well-rounded person. The school is sensitive to pupils' emotional and mental hea...lth.

Classrooms are supportive environments. Staff show consideration for pupils' needs. Pupils feel safe to air their views.

They keep physically healthy by joining sports clubs and are excited to learn new skills, such as coding.

Participation in the school's wide extra-curricular offer is high, especially among disadvantaged pupils. This helps pupils to develop confidence in public speaking, for example.

They develop creative interests, for example by taking a role in a school production. The long-established house system is a source of inspiration for younger pupils who aspire to take on the mantle of house leadership once they reach sixth form age.

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

Pupils fulfil their potential at this school.

In each subject, ambitious content is carefully selected for pupils to learn. Teaching is highly effective due to the expert subject knowledge of staff. Teachers use their knowledge to inspire pupils.

As a result, pupils use subject-specific language fluently. This lends confidence to their work. Sixth-form students produce scholarly writing and lead sophisticated discussions.

Across an ambitious curriculum, pupils achieve consistently well.

The school continually strives for excellence. The school reflects intelligently on what works best in different subjects.

In each subject, pupils are encouraged to revisit and apply what they have learned in the most effective way. This helps pupils to remember their learning and helps teachers to identify any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge, which they promptly address.

The curriculum is designed to build confidence.

Although pupils arrive at the school with high prior attainment, the school recognises that they may require support to achieve the ambitious goals set within each subject. The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are rapidly identified. The curriculum is adapted to meet pupils' needs from the outset.

Therefore, pupils with SEND learn successfully.

Pupils read widely and eagerly. The reading curriculum is shaped by pupils' views.

Pupils told the school that they would welcome a diverse range of voices and perspectives in reading selections. This has led to the school changing the choices of text for each key stage. Pupils routinely borrow books from teachers and from the school's library.

This helps pupils to develop their reading preferences.

Relationships between pupils and staff are highly supportive. Pupils are motivated to attend school.

Students in the sixth form appreciate the guidance they receive. They give back to the school by acting as academic tutors. They help younger pupils when they struggle with aspects of the curriculum.

Pupils' conduct in lessons and around the school is very positive. Lapses in pupils' behaviour are very rare, but the school is quick to reassert expectations when appropriate.

The school takes a deliberate approach to pupils' moral development and character.

Opportunities for pupils to lead and volunteer are exceptional. For example, many pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Sixth-form students support the work of the 'League of Friends', a charity working to support hospitals.

Pupils' interest in helping others is underpinned by their strong knowledge of how different groups are protected in law. This leads to well-informed, considerate young people.

The careers programme plays a central role in helping the school to realise its ambitious vision.

For example, pupils attend careers events with representation from an impressive range of industries and education providers. This inspires pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 to arrange their own work experience placements, often in specialist settings linked to their ambitious career plans.

At all levels, leaders are driven to provide the highest possible standards, including for disadvantaged pupils.

The trust board is committed to widening access to the aspirational culture that the school provides. Trustees visit the school to engage with staff and gather first-hand evidence of how well the school is achieving its aims.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.