Graham School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 February 2026

Pupils are at the heart of all the work done at Graham School. They feel happy and safe. Staff know pupils well and act quickly, when guidance is required. Pupils typically receive timely and appropriate support and are confident that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively. Achievement has not been high, although recent improvements help pupils develop firmer foundations for future success. Pupils enjoy learning and engage well in lessons. The curriculum is ambitious and generally taught well. Teaching builds carefully on what pupils already know. This helps them grasp more complex ideas. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from proactive help that enables them to access the full curriculum. Behaviour across the school is calm and respectful. Pupils are polite to staff, visitors and each other. They understand the behaviour system and see it as fair and consistent. When pupils find it difficult to meet expectations, staff provide the support they need to improve. Positive relationships contribute to a welcoming and inclusive school culture, where pupils look out for one another. Attendance remains a key challenge. Too many pupils do not attend regularly. Although the school has appropriate strategies in place, these have not yet had the desired impact. Irregular attendance leads to gaps in pupils’ knowledge and affects their progress. The school provides a high-quality personal development programme. Pupils access a wide range of enrichment activities, including performing arts, local visits and trips. Clubs such as gaming and various sports allow pupils to explore their interests. Leadership opportunities, including the school council and student-led initiatives, help pupils contribute to school life. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps. They meet a range of employers, colleges and universities through careers events. This helps them make informed choices about future education, employment or training. Pupils understand the school’s values and speak knowledgeably about equality and the fundamental British Values.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should develop their work to ensure effective strategies are place to improve pupils' attendance.
• Leaders should intensify actions to further develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding to improve outcomes in public examinations, so that more pupils achieve well at the end of key stage 4.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching consistently develops pupils’ spoken and written language across subjects.

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