The school was inspected by Ofsted on 5-6 November 2019, under the Education Inspection Framework introduced in September 2019. The report graded the school as Outstanding in every respect.

Full OFSTED Report

Some of the highlights of the report are:

  • Pupils flourish at Dr Challoner's Grammar School
  • They enjoy a first class, bespoke curriculum and exceptional range of enrichment experiences. +Pupils become intellectually curious, compassionate and responsible in equal measure. +Pupils' leadership potential is developed particularly well during their time at the school.
  • Teachers ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make very strong progress
  • The school offers a dazzling array of extra curricular activities.
  • The quality of education in the Sixth Form is exceptional, allowing all students to thrive.
  • There is a shared pride in the continual refinement and improvement of the school.

Exceptional Schools Award

In order to ensure that the school continues to improve, OFSTED-trained inspectors were invited to undertake a review in 2017 which resulted in the school being re-accredited with the 'Exceptional Schools Award'. Some of the comments made about the school by the assessors were as follows:

  • The school has sustained exceptionally high performance and seeks to improve both the quality and scope of its provision so it meets the needs of all its students in a holistic way.
  • Students value their education and recognise the extent to which the school helps them to develop into well rounded individuals.
  • The curriculum prepares students for life in the 21st Century and has a positive impact on the students – broadening their knowledge and experience, increasing engagement in learning and developing social responsibility.
  • Staff have excellent subject knowledge showing a real pleasure in sharing their knowledge with the students. They know the students very well and go the extra mile to support them, particularly in their independent learning.
  • The students are a credit to the school. They thrive in the supportive environment, challenge themselves and each other, are appropriately respectful to adults and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes.