Dane Court Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2022

Leaders have made it their priority to provide a broad and ambitious curriculum for all pupils, regardless of their starting points. Pupils respond positively to the high expectations that staff have. They know that staff want the best for them, and they value the support their teachers provide. Pupils describe their school community as open and inclusive. They enjoy a range of subjects and in many cases, confidently discuss their learning. Skilled teachers support pupils to meet broad and ambitious aims that extend beyond the academic curriculum. Pupils benefit from a range of clubs and extra-curricular activities on offer. As a result, many pupils have experiences of leadership, sporting success and achievement in the arts. Pupils behave well in lessons and during social times. They feel safe and are proud members of the school. Most pupils feel that bullying is dealt with effectively. However, a small number of pupils are not as confident. Parents are positive about the work of staff at the school. One parent said, 'My child has really thrived in this school in all areas of his life'. Parents recognise the actions that leaders are taking to promote high aspirations throughout the school. Of the pupils who stay at the school for sixth form, most excel.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects what pupils need to know and remember has not been explicitly identified or sufficiently detailed. This means that some pupils are not achieving as well as they could because curriculum documentation is not clear enough about the key knowledge that pupils are expected to remember. Leaders need to ensure that each curriculum subject is planned and sequenced to include new knowledge and skills that clearly builds on what has been taught before and towards clearly defined end points.
• Some pupils in the school shared concerns about how bullying is dealt with. They are not all confident that staff respond effectively to their concerns. Leaders must evaluate the current approaches they use to communicate important messages to pupils to ensure all pupils that their concerns will be handled appropriately.

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