Head teacher 'absolutely delighted' as Ofsted praises Heckmondwike Grammar School in latest inspection report

The inspection report highlights the exceptional quality of education, behaviour, leadership and personal development across the school, while recognising leaders' continued determination and ambition to further improve wherever possible.

Inspectors judged the following areas to be at strong standard: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and well-being.

Post-16 provision was judged to meet the expected standard, and all safeguarding standards were also found to be fully met.

Inspectors recognised the school's outstanding academic culture.

The report said: “Pupils across the school achieve highly. They thrive meeting the high levels of academic challenge that the school provides them.”

The report highlights that pupils develop “detailed knowledge over time” and produce “very high-quality work” across a broad range of subjects.

Inspectors also noted that GCSE results are “among some of the best nationally”, including for disadvantaged pupils.

Ofsted also praised the school's ambitious curriculum and expert teaching.

“Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They bring this knowledge to life in classrooms through high-quality teaching,” the report said.

Inspectors found that pupils are proud of their school, enjoy learning and rise to the school's high expectations.

The report said: “The school's traditional motto, ‘nil sine labore’, or ‘nothing without work’, is reflected in the school's values of respect, responsibility and excellence.”

Inspectors found behaviour to be exemplary, noting that pupils “behave calmly and respectfully”, show “high levels of self-discipline” and that incidents of serious misbehaviour are rare.

Inspectors also recognised the significant opportunities for leadership, sport, music, drama and wider personal development through the school's extensive enrichment programme.

Head teacher Peter Roberts said: “We are absolutely delighted with this report and immensely proud of our students, staff, governors and wider school community.

“The inspection reflects the culture of high expectations, hard work and care that exists throughout Heckmondwike Grammar School.

“To be recognised as operating at a strong standard in six areas is a tremendous achievement, and we understand that places the school in approximately the top 10 per cent nationally of schools inspected under the new Ofsted framework.

“We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the exceptional quality of teaching, pupils’ outstanding attitudes to learning, our inclusive culture and the extensive opportunities available beyond the classroom.

“The report reflects our motto, ‘nil sine labore’ – nothing without work – and celebrates the commitment and dedication shown by our students every day.

“Additionally, our unofficial motto, of ‘work hard and play hard’, was very clearly exemplified by the exceptional work students produce and their immersion in the myriad of extra-curricular activities on offer.

"While we are proud of what has been achieved, we remain committed to continuous improvement and ensuring every student can fulfil their potential.”

Outlining the next steps they would like to see the school take, inspectors said leaders should continue to improve the progress and achievement of students in the sixth form.

Leaders should also continue to refine their improvement of pastoral support so that they can achieve and sustain high standards of attendance, especially for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.