Penistone Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 February 2023

Leaders have high aspirations for pupils. Pupils study for ambitious qualifications. They achieve well in external examinations. In lessons, they are respectful and focus on learning. Teachers deliver high-quality lessons. Pupils secure appropriate destinations for their next steps in education or training. Pupils' behaviour generally meets the high expectations of leaders. Disruption to learning is rare. When it does happen, teachers address it effectively. Teachers praise pupils' positive choices and give regular rewards. Relationships between teachers and pupils are respectful. Bullying is rare in the school. However, pupils do not consistently report bullying when it occurs. A small minority of pupils experience derogatory language from their peers. Leaders and staff do not tolerate this. They address it when they are aware of it. Leaders have designed a range of high-quality enrichment opportunities for pupils. These include overseas and domestic educational visits, sport and performing arts clubs, cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Most pupils take advantage of these. Some pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils, do not benefit from these wider opportunities. Leaders are making these more accessible to all pupils. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have prioritised pupils' mental health. A team of trained staff, including counsellors, support pupils with this.

What the school should improve

• Some groups of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, do not participate in the wider opportunities that leaders provide as frequently as their peers. These pupils miss out on important learning to enhance their broader development. Leaders should review the offer and embed their new approach to monitoring participation, ensuring that all pupils access the school's full and rich curriculum.
• Leaders do not engage with stakeholders fully. Some members of the wider school community do not feel listened to. Leaders should continue to embed the recent changes in the way they take stakeholder feedback to enable all parties to contribute their views.

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