ISI Inspection Report
December 2024
Introduction from the Head Master
On behalf of the entire staff and Governing Body, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the findings of the recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visit to Kingston Grammar School.
Over the course of three days in December, the seven-strong inspection team met students and staff throughout the school, observed lessons, considered parent feedback and reviewed school policies and procedures. In concluding that all standards are met, and that our students make good progress – the highest standard achievable under the new ISI inspection framework – the team highlighted the many strengths of the School, including academic success, safeguarding, opportunities, ethos and culture, and student leadership and service amongst many others
ISI visits are rightly focussed on ensuring that the highest organisational standards concerning quality assurance, continuous improvement and regulatory compliance are met, and I am delighted that the inspection team concluded that the school is run well.
The inspectors noted that KGS is an inclusive and respectful school community, and I was particularly pleased that they felt that staff and students really did live out our motto of ‘work well and be happy’. In the conversations the ISI team had with me, the rest of the school leadership team and our Chair of Governors, it was evident that our values of aspiration, integrity, respect and engagement truly shone through in all that we do I could not be prouder of our school community and know that what the inspection team observed during their visit is a mere snapshot of the excellent work, across all areas of school life, that takes place every day
This success is a testament to the collective efforts of the KGS community – students, staff, parents and alumni: the breadth of support and engagement from you all is hugely valued and helps to make Kingston Grammar School such a happy, welcoming and successful school.
The full report follows Should you have any comments or questions about the inspection process or the report itself, please do get in touch.
Bene agere ac laetari!
Stephen Lehec
“Pupils approach their education with self-confidence and esteem. [They] …are prepared well to take their place in British and global society.”
“The school community is inclusive and respectful.”
“Pupils are provided with a broad and well-developed programme of physical education (PE). Pupils participate in team sports and develop the values of self-discipline, leadership and teamwork.“
“Pupils value the PE programme and understand that it contributes effectively to their sense of physical health and personal wellbeing.”
“The school offers a broad and stimulating range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils acquire confidence in public speaking through debating and philosophy clubs.”
“Pupils approach new opportunities with confidence.”
“The well-planned extra-curricular programme enhances pupils’ learning and provides effective opportunities to develop skills and understanding.”
“Pupils are taught in a secure and suitable environment.”
“The effective careers programme offers pupils impartial guidance about a wide range of future opportunities including university, career apprenticeships and taking a gap year. ”
“Pupils respond positively to the curriculum and are motivated to do well.”
“Prefects and school captains guide and mentor other pupils well.”
“Sixth-form pupils provide mentorship to younger pupils.”
“Pupils make good progress* during their time at the school.”
“They work collaboratively and evaluate reflectively to refine and improve their performances.”
“Pupils maintain positive, friendly and supportive relationships with each other.”
“Pupils give their time generously to support people who are less fortunate than themselves.”
“Pupils have a secure understanding of the school’s motto to “Work Well and Be Happy”.
As a result, pupils are effectively encouraged to enthusiastically participate in all areas of school life.”
“Leaders act as thoughtful role models and demonstrate kindness in their daily interactions.”
BENE AGERE AC LAETARI | WORK WELL AND BE HAPPY
