Ofsted
The team spent two days at the school observing lessons, mixing and talking with the children at playtime and around the school. They also met with parents, Governors and staff to discuss the organisation and management of the school and spoke with groups of children about different aspects of school life.
Inspection Report
The inspectors recognised that the children at Ghyll Royd enjoy an outstanding curriculum and that,
“all children, whatever their starting point, make good progress and achieve results which are above and often well above those expected for their age and ability. All pupils have very good attitudes towards their work.” 2008.
There is an emphasis on English and mathematics and other subjects are taught through a cross curricular-approach. The children have the luxury of specialist teaching in PE/Games, Music and French and as the children move into KS2 the different foundation subjects are taught by the same teacher to ensure continuity and progression.
Sport features prominently on the curriculum at Ghyll Royd and the school maintains that, ‘it can always find a sport that a child can enjoy’ 2008 .Children enjoy far more PE and games than the national average and children across the age ranges enjoy many sports fixtures with other schools. “The provision made for extra curricular activities is very good.” 2008. ‘The sports hall provides particularly good accommodation for wide range of physical education activities’. 2011.
The sports hall and the extensive school grounds provide excellent opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide range of sports and the children particularly enjoy this aspect of their education. The school is part of the Bradford Schools Sports Partnership and recently received its Silver Activemark Award which recognises the commitment towards developing a healthy lifestyle, the amount of sport the school provides for its pupils and its contribution to sport in the community.
“Behaviour is outstanding both in class and around the school. All pupils have mature and thoughtful attitudes, have very good social skills and are very welcoming to visitors and courteous to each other and their teachers.” 2008
‘Classes are small; this is a key feature of the school’s success because class teachers are able to give each pupil much individual attention’. 2011
The inspectors rated the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the boys as outstanding. “The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils is outstanding. Pupils’ behaviour is good and pupils have a very clear understanding of right and wrong. They are polite, helpful and friendly and cooperate well with one another and the positive relationships between staff and pupils create a harmonious school community’ 2011
Mrs Connor said, “The greatest compliment to be paid to us by one of the Inspectors, who has three children, was that if she lived in Ilkley she would want them to be coming to Ghyll Royd School.”
Full copies of our Ofsted reports can be accessed via the following links: