Ethos
The Grammar School at Leeds is the result of a merger between two of Leeds' leading educational establishments. Leeds Girls' High School was founded in 1876 and Leeds Grammar School in 1552. For hundreds of years, they have been responsible for the education of thousands of girls and boys who have gone on to play important roles in society - doctors, judges, academics, managers, directors, volunteers, artists, musicians, fine sportsmen and women, mothers and fathers. In 2008, we combined the best traditions of these schools to create an even stronger school for current and future generations of children throughout the greater Leeds area.
OUR MISSION
The Grammar School at Leeds aspires to be one of Great Britain's leading schools. We are committed to offering academic excellence and breadth of opportunity, with care and integrity. We aim to develop and celebrate the abilities of all pupils and staff, and to balance innovation and tradition, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. We seek to prepare our pupils to face the world as confident, caring citizens.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
OUR VALUES
We value academic excellence, opportunity, care and integrity.
Academic Excellence
We have high expectations of our pupils and have a strong track record in enabling them to achieve - and often exceed - them. Our notion of intellectual development extends beyond the classroom through academic lectures and societies. We recruit highly qualified staff, encourage them to share good practice, and are often at the cutting edge of curriculum innovation in ICT.
Opportunity
We provide a diverse range of opportunities outside the classroom to cater for the needs and abilities of our pupils. There are many opportunities for participation and excellence, whether intellectual, artistic, sporting or musical, and our vibrant House system provides everyone with the opportunity to join in and express themselves, irrespective of ability. The superb facilities which support these activities are modern and purpose-built. Pupils may also experience the many trips we run within and outside the UK.
Care
Providing pupils with genuine warmth and support throughout their school life is integral to what we do. Support and guidance is available to a young child starting school for the first time, as well as to a Sixth Former making important decisions about the future. Our ratio of staff to pupils is very generous, enabling us to provide extra help to pupils in need. Each Year Group has its own dedicated common room and, from age 7, each pupil belongs to one of a number of Houses, where older pupils are encouraged to support younger ones. Our pastoral system encourages pupils to develop social skills and to form friendships, and we foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect.
Integrity
We encourage pupils to have their own high personal standards and to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. This is evident in assembly themes, and the many opportunities given to pupils to lead others. In Rose Court and Junior School, we share and learn about our faiths together. In Senior School, each major faith represented in school has its own weekly assembly, and all pupils learn about world religions, philosophy and ethics through our specially adapted curriculum. We stimulate interest in wider issues through active work with children in other countries, and lectures by leading intellectuals on moral issues.
