You can read the full report from Ofsted here.

Inspectors wrote: “Pupils flourish in a culture where expectations of academic success and character building are high and unwavering.”  They found that “Leaders place a deep understanding of pupils’ individual needs at the heart of their work.” 

Two aspects of the school were awarded the highest possible grade.  Inspectors awarded Exceptional grades for Personal development and Well-being, and for Attendance and Behaviour. 

Exceptional grades are very rare.  Ofsted say: "We only award this grade when we see practice that is among the very best nationally."  They indicate sustained and transformational practice. 

A Strong grade means excellent, consistent practice well above the expected level.  Inspectors found that Lancaster Royal Grammar School is Strong in all the following areas:  Inclusion, Curriculum and Teaching, Achievement, Sixth Form provision, and Leadership and Governance. 

They wrote: “Leaders champion pupils’ whole development, not just their academic achievement.” 

Dr Chris Pyle, Head of Lancaster Royal Grammar School, said, “I am hugely proud of our pupils and staff.  It is wonderful to see their achievements highlighted in such glowing terms throughout every section of this report.” 

“The view of education that we champion at LRGS is broad and three-dimensional.  This report celebrates the way that we combine the highest levels of academic achievement with transformational extra-curricular opportunities.  Pastoral care and inclusion are the basis of everything we do.  It is excellent to read the inspectors’ praise for the quality of that culture.  It runs through every part of the school.” 

“It is also excellent to see the focus on our pupils’ exceptional behaviour, their social responsibility, and how well prepared they are for life beyond school.  It is lovely to see the recognition that our pupils flourish, in all their diversity.” 

Mr Howard Roberts, Chair of Trustees, said: “Congratulations to the school on this outstanding report.  I know that teachers and support staff work tirelessly to support and inspire the pupils at Lancaster Royal Grammar School.  This report confirms that their work at LRGS is amongst the very best in the country.” 

The report praises the level of academic engagement.  Pupils enjoy learning, and their work is thoughtful and detailed.  They engage in high levels of debate and read widely for pleasure.  Positive relationships with teachers help pupils to succeed. The curriculum enables pupils to build on their knowledge extremely well over time.  Inspectors note that: “Pupils receive highly effective support to overcome barriers to learning.  This helps disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities to thrive.” 

The extensive opportunities beyond the classroom are also highlighted.  Extra-curricular activities are built around pupils’ interests and aspirations, and pupils benefit from a wide range of school trips.  Inspectors found: “Leaders go above and beyond to ensure that all pupils can access this programme.  For many pupils, these opportunities are transformational.”  This is complemented by a highly proactive programme to promote personal development.  As a result, pupils thrive.  They develop the confidence and sense of responsibility that they need to play an active role in their communities. 

Pupils flourish in a calm, warm and respectful environment.  Inspectors wrote: “Leaders place relationships and a deep understanding of pupils’ individual needs at the heart of their work.”  Pupils consistently meet leaders’ extremely high expectations for their behaviour.  They express their views respectfully, and older pupils lead by example.  Pupils demonstrate high levels of self-regulation and are self-motivated.  They manage their own behaviour remarkably well which contributes to classrooms being highly conducive to learning.  Bullying and discrimination are exceptionally rare. 

Sixth Form provision is also highly praised:  

Inspectors comment: “Students benefit from an ambitious curriculum that enables them to excel academically as well as personally.”  Leaders hold high expectations, teachers use their subject expertise to shape learning with precision, and students benefit from a highly personalised programme that broadens their horizons and nurtures their personal growth.  Alumni (Old Lancastrians) regularly return to contribute to school life.  Careers guidance is personalised and highly effective.  Students are very well prepared for their next steps.  They progress to ambitious destinations that reflect their talents and strengths.