Ages 
A school offering tremendous facilities and education. Very much the feel of an independent school with fantastic facilities and very enthusiastic teaching staff. Its reputation precedes it, and we can see why. As one parent said, ‘please thank The Priory for its contribution to my son’s education.’ Quite.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,797 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 456 ·
- Local authority
- Lincolnshire County Council
Headteacher
Head
Jane Hopkinson
Since 2016, Jane Hopkinson (40s). Studied maths and chemistry at UEA in Norwich. Planned to be an accountant but work experience put her off. PGCE in maths found her returning to her roots to teach in a girls’ grammar school in Grantham. Joined the
Entrance
Oversubscribed despite offering 240 year 7 places. Some 50+ feeder schools, each allocated at least two places. Pupils come from as far afield as Grantham to the south and Gainsborough to the north. Non-selective except for 10 per cent chosen by
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Very few leave after GCSEs, between one and two per cent, usually for vocational courses at local colleges. The majority go on the university (two-thirds in 2023), with usually a few to Oxbridge. Apprenticeships becoming more popular and being
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2023, 60 per cent 9-5 in both English and maths at GCSE. In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 29 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 90 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths; 28 per cent A*/A at A level (56 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
Excellent results for a non-selective school albeit 10 per cent are admitted after an aptitude test. ‘It’s made very clear from day one that the children are here to learn,’ said one parent. ‘Guidelines are laid out before they start and are expected
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
About 10 per cent of each year has EAL requirements, higher for the boarders. Support available through learning support department and sixth form mentors. Every SEN student has a student profile explaining their needs and best way to support them in
Arts & extracurricular
Impressive music school, including recording studio. Loads of bands, orchestras and choirs, performing frequently. Lots of plays and productions, including whole school shows. Fabulous debating chamber used for cross year group debates et al. Sixth
Sport
Every conceivable facility when it comes to sports. Indoor 60m running track, outdoor all weather track and pitches; climbing wall, trampolines, gym, swimming pool, dance studios all housed in new sports centre. Lots of after-school sports practices
Boarders
The academy’s boarding house is now closed. Decision taken in summer 2020, with the approval of the DfE, following the impact of both Brexit and, crucially, COVID, on numbers.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1992 on the site of an old girls’ grammar school, and has grown dramatically. Now the largest school in Lincoln, if not the county. Housed on a massive site on one of the main roads into Lincoln. From the main road you only see the old,
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Discipline is hot. ‘Guidelines, rules and regulations are set out before they start and are expected to be adhered to,’ said one parent, ‘and they are.’ Another parent told us, ‘the whole class had to write a letter of apology to a teacher because of
Pupils & parents
Parents supportive and ambitious. Pupils come from a wide area, many from small rural primaries, and from all walks of life. Many Forces children from the nearby air bases. Pupils friendly, welcoming, happy and focused.
The last word
A school offering tremendous facilities and education. Very much the feel of an independent school with fantastic facilities and very enthusiastic teaching staff. Its reputation precedes it, and we can see why. As one parent said, ‘please thank The
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
