King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

King Edward VI Grammar School is an exceptional place for pupils to learn. Pupils thrive in the school.

They are challenged by staff to be the best they can be, both academically and as kind, respectful members of the community. Pupils and their parents support the school's vision and positive values.

Pupils feel safe and are well cared for by staff.

Pupils of all ages care about each other. Strong support systems help pupils if they are worried. Pupils respect each other's differences and celebrate the school's diverse community.

Hurtful views or attitudes are not tolerated by anyone, at any time. Bullying rarely happens. If it does, it is dealt wit...h swiftly and effectively.

Around the school, pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils know that they are at school to work hard. They enjoy school life and the rich variety of clubs, societies and experiences.

From the combined cadet force to sports and chess clubs, there is something for everyone to do that interests or challenges them.

Many pupils continue their studies at the school's sixth form. It is a warm and welcoming community.

Students have highly positive attitudes to their learning. They are excellent role models for younger pupils.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have created an environment where respect and tolerance are as highly regarded as academic excellence.

Working closely with trustees, they have acted decisively to tackle historic concerns about inappropriate behaviour and derogatory views head on and with integrity. They listened to concerns and acted quickly. Consequently, the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum and safeguarding systems are even stronger now.

There is a firm and well-embedded culture of tolerance and care. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, feel safe and well looked after.

Across the school, including in the sixth form, leaders ensure that all pupils access a high-quality curriculum.

Pupils study a broad range of subjects, including different languages such as Latin and Mandarin. Curriculum plans are highly ambitious. In all subjects, important knowledge is carefully identified and arranged so it is taught in a logical order.

Consequently, pupils grasp difficult concepts quickly and apply their knowledge in different contexts. In religious education, for example, Year 7 pupils use their knowledge of the 'seven dimensions of religion' to compare and contrast different religious traditions confidently.

Teachers support pupils effectively and encourage them to read widely around their subjects.

Pupils use and understand a variety of sophisticated vocabulary when discussing and debating topics in class. They work exceptionally hard and enjoy their learning.Teachers have very strong subject knowledge.

They are exceptionally enthusiastic about their subjects. Routine in-class checks assess quickly what knowledge pupils already have, so teachers know what they need to do to support pupils' learning. Teachers use learning activities skilfully to deepen and develop pupils' knowledge further.

High expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour are systematically promoted. Activities often take pupils' learning beyond what is expected for their age. As a result, pupils of all backgrounds, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils with SEND have their needs identified accurately in detailed support plans. Teachers use this information to make very effective adaptions to their lessons or to provide other appropriate support. Pupils with SEND are cared for both academically and emotionally.

As a result, they achieve at least as well as other pupils.

All pupils receive high-quality careers advice and guidance. Careers lessons begin early in Year 7 and continue through to sixth form.

Pupils learn about the variety of careers and further study opportunities available to them. Many students in the sixth form move on to highly regarded workplaces or universities.

The high-quality PSHE curriculum is thoughtfully planned and delivered.

It supports pupils' personal and character development exceptionally well. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, make a strong contribution to enhancing school life. Older students act as role models and mentors for younger pupils.

The house system and the variety of clubs encourage pupils to socialise together and learn from each other. Pupils embrace their diversity and are mutually respectful of individual differences across the school.

Leaders acknowledge the anxieties some pupils may face in a high-performing, selective school.

Consequently, highly effective curriculum and personal support is in place to help pupils if they are worried, or if they feel that they are falling behind. Staff are extremely caring about pupils' well-being.

Parents, pupils and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Parents say that leaders care about their children and do the best for them. Staff say that leaders support them to continue to improve their practice and are mindful of their workload.

Leaders and trustees know the school's strengths and weaknesses remarkably well.

They have not rested on their laurels. Leaders' plans for the future are clear and support the school to be the best it can be.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have a thorough understanding of how to keep pupils safe. They ensure that all staff are well trained to spot if a pupil is at risk of harm, including from harmful sexual behaviours. Procedures to report concerns are clear and well used.

Additional anonymous reporting systems support pupils to speak out about any situation that makes them feel unsafe. Prompt action is taken in the light of concerns.

Safeguarding records are detailed.

They help leaders to spot patterns or concerns. Leaders work closely with other agencies to ensure that pupils get the help they need.

Staff teach pupils how to keep safe both in the community and online.

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