Hulme Grammar School received a scheduled and routine inspection from the Independent School Inspectorate (the body which monitors standards in independent schools) in September 2023.
This inspection was held under the new inspection framework which came into effect in September this year, Hulme being among a handful of the first schools nationally to be inspected according to this new framework.
“Pupils feel empowered”
Under the new inspection framework, schools do not receive a one-word judgement or grading by inspectors. This is important to note: no longer will independent schools be rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ as they were in the past under the old framework and, in line with that, this report contains no grade.
Instead you will read that we were found to be compliant in all areas and meet the standards and regulations which govern the running of an independent school. The report then comments on a range of aspects of school life – everything from safeguarding and quality of education, risk assessments to pastoral care.
“Leaders’ systematic monitoring of teaching and learning ensures that pupils, including those with SEND, make good progress in their learning.”
Schools are complex, dynamic institutions, and we welcome the move away from one-word judgements to a more nuanced style of reporting, which highlights existing strengths and outlines areas for development and improvement. We are delighted that the inspectors have highlighted so many of the aspects of Hulme life that we are proud of too. Please take some time to read over the report. It contains lots of praise of some of the brilliant things that happen here day on day.
See below a video summary of some of the key findings from the report, recorded with input from stakeholders across the Hulme community, including staff, students, parents and Governors.