A proven path to citizenship and achievement
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of Britain’s most successful and popular schools. We offer pupils a friendly and caring community of learning in which their abilities and talents are developed by superb teachers. We aim to produce confident and versatile young people, capable of high achievement and of rising to any challenge.
The pastoral care of the pupils is outstanding in all age groups and, together with the excellent arrangements to ensure their welfare, health and safety, are strengths of the school. These elements contribute to the resounding success with which the school meets its aim to create for pupils a friendly and caring community, and promote the pupils’ excellent personal development.
Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2011
Safeguarding and pastoral care
Our commitment to safeguarding and well-being comes from the heart. Providing all pupils with genuine warmth and support throughout their school life is central to everything we do. GSAL is a friendly environment with many of the characteristics of a close family, and we know from feedback that this is evident even to casual visitors.
From age 7, each pupil belongs to one of several Houses. This gives an added sense of belonging and encourages older pupils to support younger ones. Our pastoral system – widely regarded as a model of excellence – promotes and rewards good social skills and consideration for others. As a result, friendships formed at GSAL often endure for many years and unite nationalities and cultures.
It would be wrong to claim that the quality of our pastoral care leads directly to excellent exam results. That isn’t why we do it. But is there a connection? We definitely think so.
Integrity and faith
We encourage pupils to strive for high personal standards, to treat others with respect and kindness, and to be responsible for the consequences of their actions. This is reinforced by assembly themes, and by the many leadership opportunities given to pupils. Younger pupils share and learn about their faiths together. In Senior School, each major faith represented in school has its own weekly assembly, and all pupils learn about world religions, philosophy and ethics. Involvement in wider issues is stimulated by working with children in other countries and elsewhere in the UK.
A wealth of opportunity
Learning at GSAL is not remotely limited to the classroom or the National Curriculum. One of our aims is to coax hidden or unsuspected talent into fruition, and to support individual ambition. We provide opportunities, resources and purpose-built facilities for a wide range of creative, sporting and intellectual activities for all ages. Should any encouragement be needed, our House system gives everyone a wonderful excuse to try something new. Ability does not matter – we all have to start somewhere!
Our Strengths
A reputation for academic, sporting and creative excellence.
A good balance of tradition and innovation.
A generous ratio of staff to pupils, enabling us to offer a rich curriculum.
A pastoral system that is both sensitive and stimulating, providing friendship and support.
Dedication to the development of social skills based on mutual respect.
GSAL Fact
£933,000 was provided by way of bursary and scholarship support to 188 pupils in 2010
