The Independent Grammar School:Durham

School material change inspection report

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The Independent Grammar School: Durham Claypath, Durham DH1 1RH

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2), 2(2)(a), 2(2)(b), 2(2)(c), 2(2)(d), 2(2)(d)(i), 2(2)(e), 2(2)(e)(i), 2(2)(e)(ii), 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The school intends to offer the English Baccalaureate for pupils studying GCSE. A full set of curriculum plans have been designed for each subject. The content within each scheme of work matches the requirements of the school’s chosen examination board.  The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum will continue and develop as pupils move into key stage 4. Curriculum plans are in place that include all appropriate content for relationships and sex education and health education.  Leaders use the Gatsby career benchmarks. Careers education will continue to develop as pupils move into key stage 4. Plans are in place for an extensive range of visitors to come into school and talk to pupils about jobs and careers. Discussions for

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Main inspection findings

pupil work placements are already underway. Paragraphs 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Additional staff have already been employed or are pending appointment for September 2023. New staff are experienced in teaching GCSE content and will provide subject specialism. A member of staff is already in place to oversee the science curriculum. This teacher is currently reviewing the curriculum for chemistry, biology and physics. Resources that are required for the science GCSE courses are in place.  The school works with a local science advisory board to ensure that all plans for science GCSE are fit for purpose.  The school will continue to use its assessment procedures with regular checks on pupils’ progress and understanding. New staff, plus the experience of many of the existing staff, means that there is capacity to offer catch-up intervention for any pupils who may need additional support.

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Main inspection findings

 Reporting to parents will continue in the school’s existing format.  If the material change is approved by the Department for Education (DfE), these independent school standards (the standards) are likely to continue to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii), 5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  Pupils enjoy life at school. They feel well supported by staff and know that if they have a worry or concern, there is an adult to talk to.  Pupils say that there is no bullying at school. Pupils appreciate the diversity in the school and welcome the opportunity the learn about other faiths, religions and beliefs.  Pupils have a good understanding of democracy, the rule of law and know right from wrong. Coverage of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through PSHE

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Main inspection findings

lessons and assemblies helps to support pupils’ self-confidence and respect for their own and other cultures.  External speakers, who carry out workshops and assemblies, are checked by leaders for appropriate content, and staff give feedback on the quality and impact of the sessions.  Curriculum plans ensure that there is regard for protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.  If the material change is approved by the DfE, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The safeguarding policy is up to date and includes relevant links to statutory documentation, including 'Keeping children safe in education’ (2022). The policy is available on the school’s website.  There are straightforward reporting procedures in school for staff to follow if they have a concern about a pupil’s well-being.  The principal ensures that all new staff receive appropriate induction information,

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Main inspection findings

including relevant safeguarding training.  If the material change is approved by the DfE, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 18, 19, 20, 21  The single central record is detailed and effectively organised. All relevant vetting checks have been carried out and are monitored by the principal and safeguarding director.  The checks carried out ensure that staff who work at the school are safe to work with the pupils.  If the material change is approved by the DfE, these standards are likely to continue to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  The principal and directors regularly check the quality of education and performance of the school. They use the standards to check that standards continue to be met.  The plan to offer GCSEs for pupils has been carefully thought out and well managed.

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Main inspection findings

The principal has ensured that the curriculum, staffing and resources are in place to ensure a smooth transition.  The well-being and safety of pupils is central to the school’s values. Leaders are vigilant with safeguarding procedures and ensure that all staff take responsibility to keep pupils safe.  If the material change is approved by the DfE, these standards are likely to continue to be met.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements that are relevant to the material change.

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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School details

Proprietor The Education Partnership (UK) Ltd

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 26 to 28 March 2019

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recommendation

Age range of pupils 4 to 14 4 to 16 4 to 16

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recommendation

Number of pupils on the school roll 91 95 95

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age 91 95

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 15 Up to 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan 1 Up to 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan 1 Up to 5

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 7 8

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 2 2

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Information about this school

 The Independent Grammar School is located in church premises in Durham.  The proprietors are The Education Partnership (UK) Ltd, comprising four directors. One of the directors is the headteacher of the school.  There are 91 pupils at the school.  The previous material change inspection took place in May 2022, and the school was judged to likely meet the relevant standards.  The school does not use any alternative education provision.  To support the increase in pupil numbers, 14 pupils in key stages 3 and 4 will be taught in nearby premises. This will be a temporary measure and commence later in the summer term of 2023.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE after the school applied to increase the age range of pupils from 14 to 16 years old.  This was the third material change inspection at this school. The first took place alongside the standard inspection in March 2019, when the proprietor sought to increase the age range of pupils from nine to 10 years old. This material change was approved by the DfE.  The inspector met with the principal and a small group of pupils. He visited the additional, temporary premises.  The school’s single central record was reviewed to ensure that relevant vetting checks are carried out for staff working at the school.  Policies and curriculum plans were also reviewed as part of this inspection.

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Inspection team

David Milligan, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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