The King's School, Grantham

Overview

Pupils are described as thriving in an inclusive environment where they are “polite and respectful” and rise to high expectations. The school offers a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that prepares sixth-form students well for university or employment, with strong academic results and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

Strengths

• Leaders have constructed a curriculum that ensures pupils gain a “strong academic grounding” and essential knowledge, even in subjects not continued at key stage 4.
• Teachers possess “good subject knowledge” and use well-chosen resources, creating a “calm and orderly environment” through consistent behaviour management.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “feel well supported” within the school community.
• The sixth form benefits from expert teaching and mentoring, with students gaining places at “the most sought-after universities.”
• Staff report high levels of support from leaders, who consider workload and well-being, while governors play an active role in accountability.

Areas to improve

• Teachers should systematically check that all pupils have secured the depth of understanding set out in curriculum plans to prevent gaps in knowledge.
• Leaders must ensure that additional needs are identified precisely and that teachers receive accurate information to support pupils with SEND more effectively.
• Procedures to challenge and support persistently absent pupils are not robust enough; leaders should take “swift and effective action” when attendance risks arise.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being vigilant and leaders ensuring robust recruitment checks and swift action to protect vulnerable pupils.