THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI) HAS FOUND ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWCASTLE FULLY COMPLIANT ON ALL ASPECTS OF OUR RECENT INSPECTION AND HAS RECOGNISED OUR DEDICATION TO EMBRACING DIVERSITY AS A 'SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH' OF THE SCHOOL.
Following a focused compliance and educational quality inspection in November 2024, the RGS has achieved another strong Inspection Report, continuing our reputation as an excellent school in all areas.
With the new inspection framework coming into effect from September 2023, there are no overall judgements within the report. Instead, it is broken into five areas - Leadership, Education, Pupil Wellbeing, Social and Economic Education and Safeguarding - with a detailed analysis of how RGS operates in relation to each.
Each standard is described as either met or not met (there are no grades), and we are pleased to share that we had the best possible outcome with all standards met.
The report also highlights our “commitment to promote a highly developed awareness of and sensitivity towards diversity in the pupils” as a significant strength of the school.
Under the new ISI framework, the accolade of “significant strength” is a rare distinction that is only awarded if a school demonstrates a clear, measurable, and profoundly positive impact on pupils if the aspect of the educational provision:
- shows a deep understanding of and aspiration for pupils' development of knowledge, skills, and understanding
- is attributable to the knowledge, skills and decision making of leaders, managers and/or staff
- has very clear and highly beneficial impact for pupils involved
The report states that “pupils speak with confidence about cultural and economic diversity, neurodiversity and protected characteristics. Their participation in voluntary and partnership opportunities within the community, and their behaviour, reflect this positive approach to inclusion.”
Speaking about the inspection outcome, Headmaster, Geoffrey Stanford, said: "As you read through the report, you will see there are so many positive things said about the full range of our academic, pastoral and cocurricular provision and I am grateful to all for making this possible.
"This report is a tribute to the whole RGS community: the hard work of our teaching and support staff, the continuing support of parents and, most importantly, the energy and enthusiasm of our pupils. I would also like to acknowledge the considerable effort behind the scenes from our operational staff that led to us passing the compliance element of the inspection with flying colours too."
Click here to read the full report, and check out some key highlights below: