Upton Court Grammar School rated Outstanding by Ofsted

Upton Court Grammar School has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its first inspection since being re-named.

The secondary school, in Lascelles Road, relaunched itself in 2013 having previously been known as Slough Grammar School.

It is now part of the Pioneer Education Trust which also oversees Foxborough Primary School and Trevelyan Middle School in Windsor.

Inspectors completed a two-day visit on November 30 and described the school as a place where ‘behaviour is exemplary’ and differences are valued and celebrated.

A report, published today, said: “Attendance is high, lateness is rare and exclusions infrequent.

“Pupils and students are highly motivated because of the high-quality teaching and extensive support for their personal development.

“Students speak very positively about their experience in the school.”

Inspectors said teachers are experts in their subjects and pupils appreciate their passion and enthusiasm.

The report described the scale of extra-curricular activities available at the school as ‘exceptional’ with pupils given the chance to get involved in sports, debating and the arts,

All pupils participate in these activities, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Staff earned praise for delivering an ambitious curriculum.

The report added that the school’s sixth form offers large numbers of A-level courses which sees significant numbers of students secure places at highly regarded universities.

Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs are sensitively supported and achieve well, the report added.

Headteacher Mark Pritchard was described as a well-known figure within the school who is much appreciated by students, staff and parents.

The report added that the school is ambitious to improve and focused on providing a world-class education.