Pupils and staff at Lancaster Royal Grammar School are celebrating remarkable double Ofsted success in 2026.  The school recently received separate boarding and day inspections.  Inspectors confirmed all aspects of boarding as Outstanding, and awarded two rare Exceptional grades which recognise practice amongst the very best in the country. 

Boarding Ofsted inspectors awarded the school the highest possible grade of Outstanding in every category of their inspection in June. Inspectors wrote: “Children in boarding thrive both academically and socially. Boarding contributes positively to their attainment.”  Inspectors found that children build strong friendships and enjoy boarding.  They experience a strong sense of belonging, and are valued and respected in all their diversity.  

Ofsted returned to inspect the whole school just one week later.  This report was equally positive and full of praise.  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. 

Strong grades mean excellent 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.” 

Mr Howard Roberts, Chair of Trustees, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see the outstanding achievements of staff and pupils celebrated in both Ofsted inspections.  It is a remarkable achievement for the school to be recognised with two Exceptional grades.  This highlights some of the very best practice in the country. 

“Boarding is the heart of the school.  My congratulations to all our boarders – both boys and Sixth Form girls – and sincere thanks to all our staff on these Outstanding grades.” 

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 the reports.” 

“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.” 

 

School Inspection

• Pupils flourish in a culture where expectations of academic success and character building are high and unwavering.
• 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. 

• Leaders champion pupils’ whole development, not just their academic achievement.
• 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.

Boarding Inspection

• Children in boarding thrive both academically and socially. Boarding contributes positively to their attainment.
• Children have highly positive boarding experiences, where they feel safe, well cared for and develop strong relationships with staff and peers.
• Children’s voices are valued, and they are encouraged to develop independence through life skills and work experience opportunities.
• Safeguarding is a strong feature of the provision. Children feel safe, and staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Leadership and management are strong, with an ambitious vision shared by leaders, managers and trustees.
• High expectations are consistently maintained, and strong standards of care support children to develop confidence, resilience and positive futures.

To read the reports in full, click on the attachments (below).

Reports are also available on the Ofsted website.