Bourne Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

Pupils are keen to attend Bourne Grammar School because they value the education they receive. They feel safe at the school and enjoy good working relationships with staff. Leaders ensure that all pupils, including sixth-form students, benefit from very high- quality education. They make sure that the curriculum is well organised and planned so that pupils learn key information at the right time. Pupils work hard to be the best they can be. They enjoy learning. The behaviour of pupils and sixth-form students is exemplary. They are expected to take responsibility for their own behaviour, which they do. They show high levels of respect for each other and adults. They consistently demonstrate that they can be trusted to behave well without adult supervision. Many pupils give their time to the school council, helping to make the school a better place. Bullying is not tolerated at the school. Pupils say that on the rare occasions it happens, staff act quickly to resolve any issues. Leaders are committed to 'building better learners'. They want pupils to develop their independent working skills. They have ensured that pupils have access to a wide range of opportunities that nurture their talents and interests. Pupils engage with what is going on in the world around them.

What the school should improve

• Pupils are not as well equipped for life in modern Britain as they should be. Not all pupils have a full appreciation of the differences and similarities between different cultures and religions. Leaders have not ensured that religious education has been provided in accordance with statutory requirements. Additionally, not all pupils benefit from high-quality independent careers advice and guidance. Leaders need to ensure that all aspects of the personal development programme are aspirational for all pupils and prepare them fully for life in modern Britain.
• Governors do not always hold leaders to account as rigorously as they could. As a result, not all aspects of the school's provision are of the highest quality, including opportunities for pupils' personal development. Governors need to ensure that they fully understand their role and assure themselves that they have rigorous structures and processes in place to assess the quality of all aspects of the provision effectively.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)