LIVERPOOL’S only grammar school The Blue Coat has secured the highest possible Ofsted rating after inspectors concluded “its main asset is the quality of its students”.
And the glowing endorsement of the Wavertree-based school marks its first inspection since it became a centrally-funded academy in the spring.
Ofsted inspectors gave an outstanding verdict in all four key categories – pupils’ achievement, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and the school’s leadership and management.
It means the school has improved since its last full inspection in 2008 when it was labelled “a good school with outstanding features”.
Inspectors added: “It is a school where you would want any of your children to be educated because it is a school where everyone succeeds.
“The school’s main asset is the quality of the students. Their behaviour and attitudes to learning are outstanding, which means teachers are able to teach lessons without any disruption to learning.”
In March the prestigious 303-year-old school become an academy. They can set their own curriculum and money can be spent on their own priorities without it being top sliced for council-wide schemes.
Grammar schools do not have to change their name and entry tests and admission policies can be retained. Officials at the time stressed its ethos, character, name and entry test selection policy will remain unchanged.
But governors believe the Academy switch, after extensive consultation, will “safeguard the school’s reputation for academic excellence by giving greater control over finances”.
This year 700 students from across Liverpool took part in entrance tests for 120 first year places. The school has almost 1,000 students including 380 sixth formers.
Headteacher Debbie Silcock said: “Staff, students, governors and parents should be very proud of this accolade. The last inspection in 2008 set very high standards. It is pleasing that Ofsted recognised that we have developed a culture of continuous improvement, not resting on previous successes.
“Despite this wonderful achievement we will continue to further improve the delivery of high quality education for which The Blue Coat School is renowned locally and nationally.”
