Ofsted boarding report summary

State school boarding is regularly inspected by Ofsted. Inspectors visit the boarding houses and hold meetings with governors, staff and students. They scrutinise documentation and analyse parental questionnaires, as they would in a whole-school inspection. In addition, when inspecting a boarding provision, the Ofsted Social Care Inspector interviews boarders, inspects the boarding houses and meets with managers.

Ripon Grammar School’s boarding provision underwent an inspection by Ofsted in May 2024. We are pleased to report we were judged 'good' in all three categories reported on: experience and progress of children, help and protection of children and the effectiveness of leaders. 

Inspection evidence came from observations and interviews with students, staff and parents, with the inspectors concluding that boarders at RGS make excellent progress, develop positive relationships and enjoy the boarding experience.

Safeguarding was regarded as thorough with a knowledgeable DSL and well trained, informed staff.

The head of boarding is supported by an enthusiastic team of managers who all have high aspirations for the children. They recognise that supporting the children to have fun and time out from their homework and revision is important.

Given the increased vigour which is being applied to the Ofsted inspection framework, we are extremely pleased with the inspectors' summary. 

You can read the May 2024 report but we have also listed a few highlights of direct quotes from the Ofsted report.

"Children say that they like staying at the boarding school and that it is like one big family. Children who are new to boarding at the school say that they are made to feel very welcome and that they come to visit before they move in. One child said that it is ‘a very good place to be’. All the children said that they like the school because of the friendships that they have."

"The children are focused on their education and want to do well. Their educational needs are supported by boarding staff. Teachers from the school form part of the boarding team. They help the children with their revision and homework, which improves the children’s academic achievement. Children identify that being in the boarding provision helps them with their schoolwork and their focus on homework."

"Children enjoy a broad range of activities, including football, cricket and badminton. This increases their confidence and physical fitness."

"The school is very well supported by the governing body. Members of the governing body are very knowledgeable, which helps them to challenge and support school leaders."