Grammar praised in report

INSPECTORS have praised Dover Boys' Grammar School for its high level of attainment, particularly at A-level, and they say improvements are needed to some of the buildings to provide better facilities.

The latest Ofsted report, based on an inspection week in April, confirms that standards of attainment in all national tests and examinations are well above national averages.

The A-level results are said to be very good and improving, and the pupils' attendance, behaviour and attitudes to their learning are also good.

Teachers' subject knowledge and understanding are very good, there is good support from parents which helps the boys to achieve, and the financial control and school administration are also good.

While the inspectors believe the accommodation available is used as effectively as possible, they say some of it is unsatisfactory and affects the quality of teaching and learning in too many subject areas.

Since becoming grant maintained in 1994, the school has obtained grants totalling £579,960 and has spent £486,746 of its own money to improve the buildings.

The governors say they will be using the report's findings to reinforce their continuing bids for further financial help.

Inspectors say the school is popular and over-subscribed. It has more than 600 pupils and the number is growing each year. It has increased by 28 per cent since the last inspection in 1994. About half of the boys live in Dover and a third come from the Deal area.

The inspectors say pupils could do better at key stage four, particularly in design and technology, and in their GCSE exams, and attainment in science and physical education is also criticised.

Information and communication technology is not used effectively across the curriculum to support teaching and learning, says the report, and some health and safety procedures are "unsatisfactory".

Governors' chairman Robin Terry said the health and safety matters have been addressed immediately, and an action plan has already been drawn up to tackle the other items raised by the inspectors.