Steyning Grammar School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils' individual needs are a priority for staff at this caring school. 'We are not just a number,' one pupil said, and this is a view shared by many. Pupils feel well supported, which helps them to learn and behave well. They have trusted adults they can speak to and feel confident that staff will address any concerns. This helps pupils feel happy and safe. Older students, including those in the sixth form, act as positive role models and contribute strongly to the school's caring and respectful culture. The school has prioritised pupils' character development. Pupils show high levels of resilience and independence and build positive relationships with staff. These relationships are clear in the warm and friendly conversations they hold with adults. Pupils excitedly discuss their learning or the extra-curricular activities they enjoy. All pupils have opportunities to represent the school, for example in sporting or arts events. Pupils are increasingly proud to attend Steyning. Pupils say that behaviour has improved significantly, and this is evident in the calm and orderly classrooms and corridors. Pupils are polite and courteous. They work well with staff and respond quickly to reminders of the school's expectations. They enjoy learning and this is clear in the focused and purposeful atmosphere in lessons. Pupils work hard and share their learning confidently. They say that bullying is very rare and that they feel confident to raise concerns with staff. They are respectful and considerate of others. Pupils' achievement is improving over time. They learn the skills and knowledge they need. Their work shows that they build on their prior learning in increasingly sophisticated ways. As a result, pupils typically achieve well in national tests. Pupils who have barriers to learning receive effective support, and this helps them to achieve well alongside their peers.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all teachers consistently select and design tasks that deepen pupils' learning across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils have more opportunities to deepen and extend their understanding of the important concepts they learn in personal, social and health education.

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