Larne Grammar School

Overview

The inspection was significantly constrained by industrial action, meaning teachers did not cooperate with the process. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the pupils.” The report relies on available data and limited interactions with leadership and pupils rather than full classroom evaluations.

Strengths

• Pupils’ GCSE and A-level attainment outcomes are “in line with or above” Northern Ireland averages, with FSM pupils consistently outperforming the regional average.
• Parents and staff reported “high levels of satisfaction” with the school’s life, work, and the “positive learning environment.”
• There is “confidence in the aspects of governance evaluated,” with governors described as “actively engaged” and well-informed.
• Pupils demonstrate strong participation in “cultural, musical and sporting activities” and develop leadership skills through mentoring and school council roles.
• The senior leadership team has a “clear and strategic vision” focused on improving learning experiences and outcomes.

Areas to improve

• The school must “keep under review” the widening performance gap between boys and girls at GCSE and post-16 levels.
• Evaluations of school improvement need to be “better informed by baseline data and include quantifiable measures” to accurately assess impact.
• The school is reviewing safeguarding and pastoral policies to “reflect more fully the current DE guidance and contemporary issues.”

Safeguarding

The report notes that while arrangements broadly reflect Department of Education guidance, the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements for safeguarding” due to the industrial action, though pupils reported feeling safe.