West Grantham Church of England Secondary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school provides outstanding pastoral care. Devoted staff work relentlessly to ensure that pupils are safe, in school and ready to learn. Pupils appreciate the care and love that they receive from staff.

They describe the school as their 'oasis of trust and calm'.

The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour and conduct. The behaviour policy is clear, consistently applied and well understood.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are respectful, polite and considerate of others. They are an absolute credit to the school and to the community.

Bullying is not tolerated. Pupils trust that any concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with s...wiftly. Pupils value being part of a school community that they describe as 'welcoming and truly inclusive'.

Ambition is a key school value. Staff are determined to ensure that pupils achieve their potential. Every pupil receives many enrichment opportunities that extend their learning beyond the curriculum.

They experience activities that they may not have previously had the opportunity to do. One pupil spoke for many when they said, 'I am so grateful to be part of West Grantham – it's a school in a million.'

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

The school's curriculum has been deliberately planned to ensure that pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), succeed.

The important knowledge is carefully structured. Pupils regularly revisit this knowledge so that they confidently recall their learning. A few subjects are in earlier stages of curriculum planning and implementation than others.

Assessment is used wisely to check pupils' understanding and to adapt learning. Teachers ask pupils carefully considered questions. They skilfully model their high expectations.

Pupils appreciate that assessment is 'constant recap' and 'non-scary'. The work they produce reflects their detailed knowledge and skill.

Pupils learn in a pristine environment that they value and respect.

Their work and considerable achievements are rightly celebrated and displayed.

The school is exceptionally ambitious for pupils with SEND. Pupils' needs are quickly identified.

They receive skilful care and support from knowledgeable staff. In lessons, pupils' learning is appropriately adapted. Pupils with SEND experience the same curriculum as their peers and achieve well.

Reading is celebrated. The school's library is a positive and welcoming place that promotes a love of books. Pupils have many opportunities to read a range of authors and genres that encourage their imagination and develop their ability to engage in well-informed discussion and debate.

Pupils' reading ability is checked as soon as they enter the school. Pupils who have fallen behind their peers receive a comprehensive and successful programme of support to catch up.

The school goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure that pupils attend school regularly.

Pupils and their families receive respectful care, guidance and support. It is humbling to see the lengths that the school will go to in order that pupils are in school, engaged in learning and safe. Attendance, including the attendance of the most vulnerable pupils, has improved.

A great deal of sensitivity, skill and care is shown to support pupils' social, emotional and mental health. Safe spaces and support services help to ensure that pupils feel happy and secure enough to learn.

Pupils benefit from a well-planned personal, social and health education curriculum.

They are well informed about how to keep themselves healthy and safe. They speak confidently about issues such as consent and equality. Pupils are taught about the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.

Pupils appreciate that the food on offer during the school day is thoughtfully planned, skilfully prepared, nutritious and of excellent quality.

The school provides effective careers guidance. Pupils are supported to make well-informed choices.

Strong and very useful business links have been established in the community. These have enhanced the vocational curriculum. They have helped open pupils' eyes to the world of work.

The school is described as a 'family' by both staff and pupils. Staff are extremely proud to work at the school. They feel well led and supported.

West Grantham Church of England Secondary Academy is a good school. It serves its pupils with expert care, love and kindness.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The curriculum planning and implementation in a few curriculum areas are not as advanced as they are in others. This means that pupils do not secure the knowledge and skills that they could. The school must make sure that subject leadership is further developed and that all aspects of the curriculum are well planned and sequenced so that pupils achieve well across all subjects studied.