Tuesday 10 December 2019 The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has received the highest possible rating of excellent, following a full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in November. The full inspection, covering compliance and educational quality, assesses every aspect of the school from nursery through to sixth form. It is a rigorous process, conducted over a three-day period by a team of 10 inspectors, with only 24 hours’ notice to the school. The team reviews all policies and processes, observes classes and activities, and obtains feedback from staff, pupils and parents through surveys and interviews. The inspection report for GSAL, published this week, highlights the quality of the pupils’ attainment and their personal development. The inspectors also judged the school to be fully compliant against all the regulatory standards. As well as the key finding that “the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent”, the report praises pupils’ personal development. It commends “pupils’ exceptional personal development…promoted by a school environment and culture that is consistently inclusive, cohesive and supportive”. The report also states: “Pupils show an outstanding willingness to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute positively to the lives of others both within the school community, and in wider society.” Sue Woodroofe, GSAL Principal, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this outcome; the way the inspectors describe the pupils and staff in glowing terms makes me extremely proud to lead this wonderful school. “I am so pleased that pupils’ exceptional personal development, behaviour and positive attitude, as well as their academic and co-curricular attainment, were evident to the inspectors. “These are all things that we strive for as educators and parents, and the report is a wonderful endorsement of our pupils and staff, and the support and commitment of our parents.” The ISI is approved by the Department for Education (DfE) as the body responsible for inspecting independent schools. General Primary Senior School Sixth Form News Academic
