John Gray High gets “Good” rating in recent Inspection

(CMR) John Gray High School has improved its school ratings from Satisfactory to Good during its recent school inspection in April.

The Office of Education Standards' report stated that since the last inspection, almost all aspects of the school have improved with increased impact, particularly in relation to improvements in students’ attainment and progress in English, mathematics, and science.

According to the report, leadership and civic understanding are now excellent.  Behavior was much improved with better attendance, fewer exclusions, and a dramatic fall in the number of major incidents.

The report highlighted that more students achieved well, with a good number exceeding international standards in examinations and their classroom work. Attainment was particularly strong in English, and there was a good improvement in standards in mathematics and science. There were also high standards in other subjects and extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and physical education.

According to the report, the school's curriculum was broad and catered to the interests and needs of almost all students. It was strongest in Key Stage 4 with a new Key Stage 3 curriculum in development. Teaching and learning were good and resulted in improvements in students’ achievements from sometimes low starting points. Students were supported by very well-structured assessment practices and effective interventions.

The school was also described as having excellent leadership with a strong focus on improvement, led by the Principal and supported by the whole leadership team. Students also displayed great leadership qualities. The report stated that they readily took on responsibilities and positions of leadership and were passionate about helping the school excel and were justifiably proud of its successes.

Music was listed as strength of students in the report. According to the report, students had excellent opportunities to learn a wide range of instruments and to sing in choirs at a high standard.  Students achieved high levels of skills and were given the opportunity to play in different groupings, strengthening their ability to work with others and develop leadership skills.

The Office of Education Standards' report also highlighted that students' behavior was good, with students wanting to show their very best.

According to the report, in discussions, the students showed a sophisticated and sensitive understanding of those who found conforming difficult and brought stresses from home into school. The support and guidance the school gave to all members of the school community was good and had offered many individuals invaluable help in achieving well both academically and personally.

As John Gray High School was judged to be providing a good quality of education, there will be no further inspections until the next cycle which commences in January 2023.