Grove School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 October 2023

This is a happy school. Pupils arrive with smiles on their faces, and they are greeted with a smile in return. The immaculately well-kept school buildings and stunning grounds provide an 'oasis in the city'. Pupils feel exceptionally safe and well cared for in school because they are. The kindness that everyone shows to each other is evident in all aspects of school life. Pupils say 'everyone is kind with their actions and words.' Staff are committed to ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve their very best. This commitment and determination ensure that all pupils achieve their best from very different starting points. Pupils settle to learning very well, including the youngest children in the early years. Pupils behave sensibly at all times of the day. As pupils say, 'there are reminders everywhere'. They listen carefully to their teachers and follow the well-established school rules consistently. Pupils relish learning new things. They can focus well during lessons because they are not disrupted from doing so by others.

What the school should improve

• Assessment approaches to check that pupils fully understand what they have been taught have not been fully developed in some subjects. This sometimes prevents pupils from building their knowledge securely on what they already know, as staff do not identify gaps in their learning. The school should ensure that effective assessment strategies in all subjects support pupils' next steps in learning.

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