Mount Grace School

Mount Grace School is a rapidly improving, distinctively small, truly inclusive school with approximately 600 students. It was one of the first purpose built mixed comprehensive schools in the country and occupies 17 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. We have a genuine partnership with local people and we are the community school of Potters Bar and the surrounding villages.

Being a small secondary school means that we benefit from a nurturing and personalised approach to many areas of educational work. Staff at our school quickly establish positive relationships with all students and are making their mark at a time when the school is on a rapid development journey with improved exam results and increased reputational standing in the community. My colleagues and I have a wealth of expertise and diverse experiences but are innovative and open to new ideas. We value each other and know that each person comes with their own career and personal history and stories full of their own successes and challenges. We know that our staff are the most important factor in improving the life chances of our students. When they enter our doors, they are welcomed as individuals with their own ambitions and goals who have chosen to work with us towards common aims for our young people.

Mount Grace School is unashamedly friendly and inclusive but we are firm, fair and consistent in our values. We value our school character virtues and develop students so that their success is marked beyond their strong exam results. We believe that holding high expectations and ambitions for what all children can achieve supports social mobility and our vision for equality of opportunity. It also supports our own wellbeing and sense of worth as we know we make a difference. We value research informed methods and initiatives that come from a sound evidence-base. Our school motto ‘Res Non Verba’ translates as ‘Deeds Not Words’ and we hold high regard for people who not only ‘talk the talk’ but want to be recognised for the impact their actions have. In return you will join a staff body who embrace new ideas, are resilient to challenges, are loyal to the aims of the school and enjoy working with us.

The senior leadership team is made up of a dynamic mix of voices and we all have our quirks and passions. We acknowledge that working in schools can be challenging but we are not shy of hard work and bring vigour, drive and fun to all we do. We work closely with all members of the school because there is a dynamic energy for school improvement at all levels and we carry this passion together.

People who choose to work at Mount Grace School will display an authentic connection with children from all backgrounds across the range of abilities. They have the creativity and energy to take each other and students with them on a strategic journey that makes a difference to our children’s character and allows them to thrive in life - long after they leave the school gates.

Headteacher

Geeta Patel

Values and vision

Mount Grace School focuses on three core values: respect, aspiration and care. It prides itself on being a place where young people are encouraged to fulfill their potential. The secondary school aims to be friendly and understanding, while also being fair, firm and consistent.

Mount Grace’s motto is "Res Non Verba", which translates as "deeds not words", meaning that pupils’ actions must always reflect the values of respect, aspiration and care.

Ofsted 2022

…Pupils have a variety of places they can go if they have a worry or concern, such as the ‘pastoral hub’ or ‘oasis centre’. They know that staff will listen and try to help with any bullying issues. Most pupils feel happy and safe…

…Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum, where they build up their knowledge over time. They are enthused by the practical activities they get to do in subjects like design and technology, and the whole school musical production…

…Leaders have ensured that teachers have been involved in the design of the curriculum. As a result, in all subjects, teachers have carefully planned the key knowledge they want pupils to learn. Leaders have also ensured that the curriculum offered is sufficiently broad and balanced. This includes a suitable balance of vocational and academic options in the sixth form…

…Leaders have implemented an effective whole-school focus on reading. This includes an appropriate progression of high-quality texts in the English curriculum and regular opportunities for pupils to participate in guided reading during form time. Those at the earlier stages of reading receive specific intervention support…

…Pupils have access to a wide variety of clubs and opportunities, including participating in musical and sporting activities and going on trips. Pupils joining the school are made to feel comfortable, especially through the summer school that is on offer…

…Leaders have ensured the school has an appropriate programme for personal, social and health education. Pupils are taught about relationships and fundamental British values. Careers education is well developed in the sixth form. Sixth-form students receive appropriate advice and guidance…