Ofsted 2026

Urmston Grammar School is celebrating a very successful Ofsted inspection after inspectors judged the school to be operating at a ‘Strong Standard’ across all areas, with Safeguarding Standards ‘Met’.

The inspection report highlights the excellent quality of education, behaviour, leadership and personal development across the school, while recognising leaders’ ongoing determination and ambition to further improve wherever possible. The full report is attached at the bottom of this page.

Inspectors praise our school’s Culture and Ethos

The report captures the true essence of Urmston Grammar School, stating that… “When pupils arrive at school each morning, they enter a caring, supportive and ambitious community” and “Pupils value their education and work hard. They support each other’s learning and engage positively with their studies.”

During the two-day inspection, inspectors met with multiple groups of students and also spoke with them during social time throughout the school day. The report comments that… “Pupils are proud of their school and treat each other with respect. This contributes to the highly positive culture across the school.’’

Inspectors recognise the excellent academic achievements of students, saying that... “Pupils and students attain results in national examinations that are usually well above the national average. This is particularly true of disadvantaged pupils, who attain better results than their non-disadvantaged peers nationally.”

A Curriculum for All

Ofsted praise the school’s ambitious curriculum and expert teaching, stating that… “Teachers have very secure subject knowledge. They use this to explain complex ideas clearly” and “Teachers also use effective strategies to reduce any barriers to pupils' learning. These strategies are routinely embedded in teaching so that all pupils benefit.”

The report highlights… “As pupils progress through the curriculum, they develop a deep understanding of increasingly complex ideas” and that upon completion of their studies, students… “successfully move on to an ambitious range of destinations.”

Outstanding Attendance and Behaviour

Inspectors recognise the exceptional behaviour and extremely high rates of attendance at Urmston Grammar, stating… “The school's culture of respect and support contributes to pupils' consistently high rates of attendance” and “Pupils carry themselves with utmost maturity and show real self-discipline. They understand leaders’ high expectations for behaviour and rarely fall short of them.”

In the final feedback meeting with Senior Leaders and Governors, the Lead Inspector commented that... “The behaviour of pupils is impeccable”.

ExTENSIVE Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

The inspection celebrates the breadth of opportunities available to students through the school’s extensive enrichment programme. School staff “…provide a broad range of activities and trips that allow pupils to find new passions.” With over 70 clubs and activities available, many led by pupils themselves, and over 50 educational visits and residential trips running each year, inspectors recognise the significant opportunities for leadership, sport, music, drama and wider personal development. The report commends the school’s inclusive approach to personal development, stating that... “pupils who face challenges in their lives, including special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have equal access to these opportunities” and that “pupils benefit from experiences they might not otherwise have”.

Strong Leadership

The inspection team praises leaders, stating that… “Leaders collaborate with staff and other professionals to make sure that pupils are very well supported” and also comment that... “Although the school is highly effective, leaders are not complacent. They use their detailed knowledge of the school to reflect on and refine their practice.”

 

Headteacher, Tom Kennedy-Fowler, said:

“This is a tremendous achievement for the whole school community and one that all students, staff, parents, carers and governors should be extremely proud of. Though I already know Urmston Grammar is a fantastic school where students excel and enjoy their education, it is wonderful to receive this additional validation from the inspection team from Ofsted. The report reflects our culture of high expectations and hard work, balanced with the care and warmth that is abundant at Urmston Grammar School”.

“To be recognised as operating at a 'Strong Standard' in all areas is an excellent outcome, and I understand that this places the school within the top 10% nationally of schools inspected under the new Ofsted framework to date. I am particularly pleased that inspectors recognised our pupils’ outstanding approach to learning and strong academic achievements, along with the supportive and inclusive nature of our school’’

“I look forward to celebrating this inspection outcome with all members of our school community, but also moving onwards and upwards on the next phase of our journey of continuous improvement.”