Maidstone Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 October 2024

Pupils thrive in this welcoming, aspirational school. The school promotes pupils' personal development as well as academic success. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils rise to the challenge. They are eager to learn and value the opportunities the school offers. As one parent said: 'The school nurtures pupils into becoming the best version of themselves.' As a result, pupils achieve highly in national assessments. The school has a strong sense of community. Diversity is welcomed and celebrated. Shared values of respect and responsibility are tangible. The vast majority of pupils behave well. Pupils value the support they receive from the school and feel safe. Sixth- form students are excellent role models for younger pupils, often acting as mentors and coaches. Pupils benefit from an amazing array of interesting and exciting experiences offered through the 'MGS Extra' programme. There is a plethora of clubs, societies and activities to suit everyone, such as backgammon club and computing clinic. Many pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme or the combined cadet force, which fosters pupils' leadership skills. Trips, both local and international, such as to Mount Everest base camp, are inspiring.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers are not yet using the teaching strategies in the school's 'teachers' toolkit' consistently well. This hinders some pupils from progressing through the curriculum as strongly as they could. The school should continue its focused work to develop teachers' pedagogical skills to ensure that the curriculum is delivered effectively in every subject.

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