Wolverhampton Grammar School was given the highest possible rating of 'excellent' across the board by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The ISI report said attainment in Years 3 to 6, GCSE and A-level performance was above the national average, while the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements was said to be 'excellent'.

The report said: "By the time they leave school, pupils are well equipped for their future lives.

"They are effective learners, keen participants, socially aware and keen to make their positive contribution to the world ahead."

It added that the 740-pupil school was a 'community that inspires openness, trust and mutual respect'.

The school was inspected by the ISI as part of the national programme of regular inspections required by the Department for Education.

Inspectors looked at the school's educational quality and compliance, focusing on the quality of our school's work, academic achievements and the personal development of students.

WGS head Kathy Crewe-Read, said: "This is the highest rating we could receive and an incredible achievement for all our school community.

Advertising

"This judgement on our approach of delivering personalised transformational education and consistently getting it right makes me so incredibly proud, this really is an extraordinary school."

Philip Sims, chairman of the board of directors, added: "The school has always had a first-class reputation for the outstanding academic and personal achievements of its students and this judgement confirms what an incredible asset Wolverhampton Grammar School is to the city and region."

Schools are rated on a scale from 'unsatisfactory', 'sound', 'good' to 'excellent'. WGS was found to be 'excellent' in all areas.

The conclusions were supported by the pupil and parent questionnaires completed prior to the inspection.

Advertising

The rating places WGS near the top of the pile for independent schools in the UK.

It is the 14th best independent school for sports and ranks in the top two per cent nationally for art.

Last year it was a finalist in the prestigious Independent School Awards, marking the third time in 2016 that WGS achieved national recognition.

The school is planning to expand facilities at its Compton Road site for younger pupils with a two-storey infant school.

Initial plans for the project have been rejected by Wolverhampton council.