‘VIBRANT AND WELCOMING’ STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL CELEBRATES GLOWING INSPECTION REPORT

Book now to attend the Stockport Grammar Junior School open event on May 11

Staff and students at Stockport Grammar School are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, following its inspection in November 2023. The independent school, which was founded in 1487 to serve the children of Stockport, continues to perform that same function more than 500 years later, educating children from the ages of three to 18. The latest report confirms the great work that goes on in both the junior and senior schools to ensure that SGS remains such an exceptional choice for families looking for a quality independent education for their children.

‘VIBRANT AND WELCOMING’

SGS was inspected under the new Independent Schools Inspectorate framework in which schools no longer receive a grade. The report begins by describing the school as a “vibrant and welcoming community” where children are “happy and thriving”, going on to say that pupils “feel safe and well supported by the adults around them” due to the well developed and caring pastoral system at SGS. Head Mrs Sarah Capewell said: “All of us at Stockport Grammar School have such pride in and love for the school and therefore we welcomed the opportunity for a team of inspectors to visit. “It is wonderful, although not a surprise, that they identified many of the things that make this such an amazing community to be a part of. “It is indeed a ‘vibrant and welcoming community’!”

‘STIMULATING’ TEACHING’

Academic performance is excellent throughout the school, with small class sizes ensuring high quality teaching time in the classroom.

In its report, the inspectorate praised the “stimulating” teaching throughout SGS, observing that it “elicits enthusiastic responses from the pupils”. Pupils in SGS’s junior school are provided with “a strong foundation” in speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy skills. Meanwhile, junior school children benefit from being taught by specialist teachers in several subject areas, including foreign languages, music, dance and PE. In the senior school, a broad-based curriculum is on offer, giving pupils every opportunity to find their own academic path. As the recent report said: “Pupils in the senior school take pride in the richness and diversity of the subjects available to them.” The school believes in instilling real academic ambition in its pupils, supporting them in making excellent progress and achieving the highest possible exam grades. Indeed, the latest report points out that pupils consistently exceed the national average at both GCSE and A-level, but also that school leaders identify pupils who may need additional support, and promptly act on it.

OVER 200 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The report also noted that staff and governors at the school understand that academic performance - while vitally important - is not the sole purpose of education, saying: “School leaders recognise that recreation is fundamental to pupils’ wellbeing and provide ample space for pupils to socialise and be physically and cerebrally active.” To that end, there are over 200 extra-curricular activities for children to choose from, including sport, drama, music, chess, board games and many more. The school’s excellent on-site sports facilities - including its own swimming pool, sports hall and playing fields - are available for use by both the junior and senior schools, with a wide range of sports practised. All of this means that no matter what their interests, pupils at Stockport Grammar can get involved, have fun, make friends and build confidence.

EXCELLING IN THE ARTS

The arts have a special place in the life of SGS too, with an incredible array of opportunities for pupils to throw themselves into, across music, drama, dance and art. In September 2023, this was recognised by the Arts Council England, which bestowed on the school its highest possible designation, the Platinum Artsmark Award. If your child has an interest in or aptitude for creative expression, they will have every opportunity to pursue it at SGS.

LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL

When it comes to their next steps, pupils at SGS are given all the assistance and support that they need, with the inspector’s report noting that they are “well prepared for life beyond school”. UCAS preparation sessions are offered to help students with their university choices, while a special higher education conference, with speakers from top universities and SGS alumni, helps them make decisions about their future. All options are explored, with several recent alumni taking up degree apprenticeships with major pharmaceutical or technology firms like AstraZeneca and Siemens, while others have gone on to Oxbridge and other top HE institutions.

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

The best way to learn about everything Stockport Grammar School has to offer your child is by paying it a visit. The SGS community will be delighted to welcome interested families to a Stockport Grammar Junior School (SGJS) open event for nursery, reception and years 1-4 on Saturday, May 11. The event will take place from 9am to 12pm, and visitors will find out about life at SGJS by taking a guided tour and speaking to senior members of staff and Head Mr Matthew Copping. Booking for the open event is essential, and you can do that here. Also look out for taster days for current year 5 pupils interested in joining the senior school in year 7, which will take place in May and June. Means-tested assistance with fees, music and academic scholarships are available at 11+ and 16+. Further information about Stockport Grammar School, including how to apply, is available at stockportgrammar.co.uk