Following a recent two-day external safeguarding review, Torquay Girls’ Grammar School (TGGS) has been commended for its exceptionally strong safeguarding culture, which is described as a significant area of strength across all levels of the school community.
The review highlighted a clear and consistent “golden thread” of safeguarding that permeates the school with Trustees, leaders, staff, and pupils all articulating the same strong messages around safety and wellbeing, demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting and supporting every student.
Pupils reported that they feel happy and safe at school, with many noting that any concerns are addressed swiftly. Students in Key Stages 4 and 5 described bullying as “extremely rare,” with some stating they have never experienced or witnessed bullying during their time at TGGS. Pupils demonstrated a high awareness of online safety and how to protect themselves in digital spaces.
Staff were also highly positive about the school’s culture, emphasising that they feel heard, valued, and actively involved in the school’s development. Their deep care for pupils was identified as tangible at every level.
Leadership of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was also recognised as strong and clearly evident throughout the school. Ruth Stacey, SENCo at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, celebrated the recognition, stating: “Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is an amazing place to work and to study. We are enormously proud of the culture of safeguarding and inclusion which we have created here. Keeping children and young people safe, happy and well is the most important thing we do, and it is great to see our success in this recognised in this report.”
The review concluded that pupils at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School are “happy, safe and thriving,” supported by staff who take their safeguarding responsibilities exceptionally seriously and praised TGGS for exemplary safeguarding practice, noting that the school’s approach should serve as a model for other schools seeking to embed safeguarding deeply into their culture.
Sarah Forster, Headteacher, said “I am proud of the staff and students at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and grateful for all the support provided by our parents/carers. This is a special place to be, and it is a privilege to lead this school every day. Our core values of well-being, equality, kindness, open minds, and collaboration shine through this report from the whole community.”