The Grove School

Overview

The Grove School is described as “welcoming, inclusive and friendly,” with leaders making significant changes to the curriculum and behaviour policies. While the quality of education and personal development are rated Good, the overall effectiveness is judged as Requires improvement due to inconsistencies in behaviour management and curriculum implementation.

Strengths

• Leaders have created “clear subject plans” that build effectively on primary curriculum knowledge in most subjects.
• Pupils benefit from a “broad curriculum” and a well-planned careers programme that provides “high quality, impartial advice.”
• The school fosters a “strong culture of safeguarding,” with staff receiving regular training and working closely with local agencies.
• Sixth-form students value the “personalised support” and act as positive role models for younger pupils.
• Staff feel that leaders consider their workload and well-being, creating a supportive environment.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers “systematically check pupils’ understanding” in all subjects to prevent gaps in knowledge, particularly in English and science.
• Staff need to consistently use information about pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to adapt lessons appropriately.
• The behaviour policy must be applied consistently by all teachers to address “low-level disruption” that hinders learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff are vigilant and pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe.