Grainthorpe Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

Grainthorpe Junior School is a welcoming and inclusive school. This small school sits at the heart of the local community. The school values of being 'A.C.E.' are central to the life of the school. Pupils try their best to be 'aspirational, creative and excellent'. One pupil, typical of many said, 'This is a small school with big friendships.' The school has high expectations of pupils' achievement and behaviour. Most pupils meet these expectations consistently. During lessons, pupils are focused on their learning, and they do their best to work hard. Pupils achieve well. Recent changes to the school's behaviour approach have ensured that all pupils know what is expected of them. They strive to earn 'terrific tickets' for their good behaviour. Pupils feel safe in school. They learn how to keep themselves safe, including when online. Pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities, including being a school councillor or a behaviour ambassador. They relish opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Particular favourites include learning to play the guitar and undertaking enterprise weeks, where pupils raise money for a treat. Pupils consolidate their learning with visits to Hull Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, to name but a few.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, the school has not ensured that assessment is used effectively to adapt the curriculum and address gaps in pupils' knowledge. This means that gaps in pupils' knowledge are not addressed consistently well. The school should ensure that the curriculum is adapted to address any gaps in pupils' learning and that pupils are building and retaining their knowledge over time.
• Too many pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are persistently absent from school. As a result, these pupils miss out on important continuity of learning and many personal and social development opportunities. The school should ensure that its ongoing work with parents and carers reduces the number of persistently absent pupils so that they achieve as well as they could.
• While pupils are respectful of difference and diversity, some pupils do not have a firm understanding of a range of faiths and cultures. This means that they are not as prepared as they could be for life in modern Britain. The school should ensure that pupils have a clear understanding of a range of faiths and cultures, so that they are fully prepared for life beyond the local community.

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