We’re outstanding: School celebrates after inspectors deliver glowing verdict

Torquay Girls Grammar School is celebrating the New Year with an ‘outstanding’ rating from government officials who even declared: “It was a pleasure to see you at work.”
The verdict has delighted students, staff and trustees at the Shiphay school and comes after a two-day Ofsted inspection in November.
This places the school currently as the only secondary school to have an ‘outstanding’ judgement in the whole of Torbay, Teignbridge, South Hams, Plymouth, West Devon  and up to Exeter.
And in a double vote of confidence, the news comes hard on the heels of the school being ranked second in Devon and sixth in the South West by the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide for 2023.
Head teacher Sarah Forster said: “I could not be prouder of both TGGS students and staff. 
“As a school, we are fully committed to providing the very best education and opportunities for all members of our community.  I am delighted that this external visit and validation of our work has been so positive and recognises the truly special and unique school that is TGGS.  We look forward to building further on our successes in the coming months and years.”
Not previously inspected since the old Ofsted’s framework in 2011, the report from the inspection, summarises that ‘pupils fulfil their potential at this school. In each subject, ambitious content is carefully selected for pupils to learn.’
It says: “Pupils are encouraged to become the history makers of the future.”
And it goes on to say: “The school continually strives for excellence. It takes a deliberate approach to pupils’ moral development and character.  Opportunities for pupils to lead and volunteer are exceptional.”
 Important recognition was also given to ‘at all levels, leaders are driven to provide the highest possible standards, including for disadvantaged pupils . The trust board is committed to widening access to the aspirational culture that the school provides’.
Commenting on the school’s work with children with special educational needs, the inspectors said: “The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are rapidly identified. The curriculum is adapted to meet pupils’ needs from the outset. Therefore pupils with SEND learn  successfully.”
The report says: “This is an outstanding school. It is not complacent and continues to improve. The headteacher, ably supported by the senior leadership team, and other leaders and managers, is successful in inspiring the school community to raise attainment further, and to equip the students with extensive skills to support their transition Into higher education.”
The report adds: “Teaching is outstanding, mainly because of the teachers’ inspiring subject knowledge.”
It says a attainment has been significantly above average and improving at GCSE and A-level for the past three years.
“Students agree strongly that they feel very safe. The extent to which they support each other and encourage each other to behave well is impressive. Consequently behaviour is outstanding,” says Ofsted.
It adds: “The outstanding curriculum provides memorable experiences, including residential visits to Africa, Asia, Europe and North Americ. Students are known as individuals and outstanding care, guidance and support are targeted to their specific needs.”
“Due to the highly effective work of the headteacher, senior and middle leaders, students are reaching ambitious targets and staff morale is very high,” says the report.
Of  the governors it says: “The governing body makes an exceptional contribution to the work and direction of the school.”
And it adds: “Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. The school promotes students, physical, emotional and mental health exceptionally well.”
The Ofsted team finished the report to the school by saying: “It was a pleasure for the inspectors to see you at work.”