Grasmere School provides “the best possible start in life” fostering “both personal development and academic achievement”, say Ofsted.
The happiness of the school is clear in the report: ‘strong, caring relationships and a shared zest for life and learning’ were “evident during the inspection”, and the children “show a deep level of respect towards each other, the adults around them and to visitors to the school. All pupils are hungry to learn new things… Pupils clearly enjoy coming to school and love learning.”
There is significant praise for the staff team: Of the head teacher it says “You continue to be an inspirational headteacher who leads by example in your many and varied roles. You ensure that staff morale is high.”
Of all staff the judgement is that “The quality of teaching over time is never less than good and is often better…” with a strong team spirit: “You and each member of the senior leadership team have considerable expertise and work with teachers to ensure that activities are stimulating and planned to maximise pupils’ learning.”
It is a very popular school as “Pupils are clearly being very well prepared for the next stage in their education. This is one of the many reasons why parents choose this school for their children, despite not living locally.”
Early Years, with its ‘outstanding’ judgement in the full Ofsted report, is validated: “children get off to a flying start in the early years.”
The school’s care of individuals, including those with SEN, is commented on: “you provide opportunities for pupils who find academic subjects hard, to excel in other areas such as the arts and sport, including sailing.” Grasmere School describes itself as all about the flourishing of the individual, within a loving community. So mental health education is a vital part of its curriculum.
The report recognises that. “Parents commented on how appreciative they are that staff ‘go the extra mile’ to develop pupils’ character as well as their academic skills. You are mindful of the pressures on young people today and the importance of fostering both their mental and physical well-being. Whole-school outings, scrambling the fells around the school and admiring the beauty of nature puts life’s challenges into perspective both for the children and staff.”
The inspector summed up her judgement by saying: “all pupils are very well prepared for the next stage in their education, and for life more generally”, and commented that “One parent summed up the views of many in describing this as ‘an absolute diamond of a school’”.
