Poole Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 May 2025

The school is ambitious for the pupils who attend this school. They have high expectations of their behaviour and academic achievement. Pupils rise to these expectations. They achieve excellent academic outcomes at key stage 4 and 5. Pupils proudly demonstrate the school values, including integrity and respect. They are happy and enjoy coming to school, as shown by their regular and punctual attendance. Pupils display consistently excellent attitudes to learning. They learn in a disruption free environment. Pupils are resilient when faced with challenges in and beyond the classroom. The school does not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour. Instead, difference is celebrated. For example, by the 'Free and Equal' ambassadors who promote high levels of respect towards everyone. Pupils benefit from extensive opportunities to develop their leadership skills, influence the life of the school and develop their character. For example, some pupils work with peers from other schools to develop their sporting skills and their self-confidence. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, proudly take on roles such as being mentors, anti-bullying ambassadors, prefects and members of student voice groups. Sixth-form students compete for 'The Gilpin Cup' with events including tug of war and cookery competitions. This develops a strong community spirit.

What the school should improve

• In some areas of the curriculum, there is variability in how well teaching supports pupils to learn. On occasion, activity choice is not well considered and checking for understanding lacks precision. In these instances, pupils do not build their knowledge as successfully as they could. The school should ensure that pupils are provided with activities that deepens their knowledge and better prepares them for future learning.

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