Appleby Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils live out the school’s values of kindness, respect and community. Pupils and students feel a strong sense of belonging in this relatively small community school. They feel this helps them to build close working relationships with their teachers and receive personalised support which they value. Pupils feel safe, happy and genuinely listened to by adults in school. Pupils are confident in raising concerns and believe that staff will address any issues promptly. Bullying is rare and when it does occur, it is dealt with effectively. Sixth-form students serve as positive role models for pupils in the main school. Pupils receive encouragement and guidance from staff. This helps to remove any barriers to learning and or wellbeing that they may have. Pupils attend regularly and enjoy learning. They have positive relationships with each other and with their teachers. They listen carefully and work hard. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils typically achieve well. Pupils are typically polite, welcoming and well-mannered. They get on well with each other. Pupils generally behave well in classrooms and during unstructured time. This creates a calm, orderly and purposeful environment where all pupils can flourish. The use of inappropriate or derogatory language is not common. Pupils are tolerant and respectful of each other. A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities are available to pupils. These include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award alongside many sporting activities. Pupils benefit from trips to local museums and art galleries as well as visiting cities overseas. They take pride in contributing to the creative show which demonstrates their learning in art and design and food technology. Pupils are encouraged to join in with a variety of clubs. Numerous leadership roles allow pupils to take an active part in school life. These are open to all. Together, these experiences help pupils to develop their talents and interests. Pupils leave well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should build on their work to ensure that teachers make use of assessment information to revisit any gaps in learning so that over time pupils remember what they have been taught more securely.

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