OfSTED

OFSTED, February 2006:

Our short inspection concluded that we were categorised as an "Outstanding" school further reinforcing the views expressed in the January 2001 short inspection. We have a wonderful school, performing within the top 5% of schools nationally.

They also identified the school leadership as "outstanding" with special reference to the new leadership of the Sixth Form and the Science College. Ringing praise indeed for the newcomers to this experienced senior management team.

Open letter to Students from OfSTED

3 February 2006
Dear Pupils and Students
Following our visit to your school, please accept our thanks for making us feel so welcome and for sharing your views with us. We would like to tell you what we found out about your school.
We think that Urmston Grammar is an outstanding school. You told us that some of the teaching is excellent, and we agree; your favourite lessons are those that include a variety of practical activities and those where you are invited to take an active part. Like you, we believe that most lessons are good, and that none of the teaching is unsatisfactory.
You are obviously very aware of the importance of healthy living, and we know that you are encouraged to eat healthily and take regular exercise. We are pleased that you feel safe around school, and that you appreciate the care provided by the staff. We were delighted
with your positive attitudes towards learning, and you certainly deserve to be congratulated on your excellent behaviour, both in lessons and around the school in general. We were also impressed with your commitment to charity work and fundraising.
You told us that you are very pleased with the facilities at the school, for example, the new fitness suite. It was really good to hear that so many of you are involved in extra-curricular activities, and most of you felt that with such a wide range of opportunities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Standards at Urmston Grammar are very high – well above the national average. You obviously work hard to achieve good results. We have asked the staff to think about how they can make further improvements to the teaching so that every one of you is supported as much as possible in reaching your full potential.
We are delighted that you are proud of your school. You obviously appreciate the wide range of opportunities offered to you; some of you told us that this school is ‘as good as it gets’!
We hope that you will continue to work as hard as you do, and wish you well for your future.

Best wishes,
Julie Price Grimshaw HMI
On behalf of the inspection team

OFSTED 2006 identified that:

•  Urmston Grammar School is an outstanding school; overall, the school’s evaluation of its work shows an accurate awareness of strengths and areas for future development. Pupils progress very well during their time at school and standards are extremely high. Major strengths of the school include the pupils’ excellent attitude and behaviour. There is a strong emphasis on pupils’ personal development throughout the school, and all are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles. They are also committed to making a positive contribution to the wider community; for example, through a range of charity fundraising activities. Pupils are proud of the school and appreciate the opportunities presented to them.

•  Leadership and management are outstanding. The school identifies clear and highly appropriate aims, designed to sustain a culture of high achievement. Particular strengths of the leadership and management include the innovative and dynamic work of the science college director and the vision and commitment of the acting head of sixth form. In addition, middle managers who work as part of the academic board make an invaluable contribution to the development of the school through their enthusiasm and dedication.

• The curriculum in Years 7 to 11 and in the sixth form is outstanding.

• Personal development and well-being: Inspectors agree with the schools’ evaluation that this aspect of the school is outstanding. Pupils and students enjoy coming to school, and attendance and punctuality are excellent. They feel safe around the school.

Behaviour, both in and out of lessons, is outstanding, and pupils have very positive attitudes. Movement between lessons, at breaks and at lunchtimes, is very sensible and orderly. Parents value highly the education the school provides.

Information for visitors:

UGS: an introduction
Governing Body
Headteacher
OfSTED *
Parent's association
School Prospectus (pdf file)
Science Partners

Calendar for Parents
How to to find us