Stafford Grammar School Review 2026: Where Academic Rigour Meets Musical Excellence

Established in 1982 by a group of local parents within a magnificent Victorian manor designed by architect Augustus Pugin, Stafford Grammar School occupies 22 acres of grounds in the heart of Staffordshire. The school has grown from its original 17 pupils to 423 students today, spanning ages 4 to 18 across its integrated prep and senior phases. What distinguishes Stafford Grammar is not just its impressive academic standing, with GCSE and A-level results placing it among the highest-performing schools in the Midlands, but the genuine warmth at its core. Headmaster Nicholas Pietrek, who arrived in September 2022, speaks of a community where exceptional relationships form the foundation of everything the school does. With fewer than 430 pupils across the entire school, families benefit from exceptionally low pupil-to-teacher ratios where senior leaders genuinely know every child by name.

Burton Manor, the school's nineteenth-century home, conveys both tradition and forward-thinking ambition. The ornate main building establishes an architectural gravitas, while the school's expansion across its grounds including modern sports facilities, a purpose-built music centre, dedicated science and sixth form buildings, and newly refurbished spaces demonstrate continuous investment in the physical environment. Yet the atmosphere here feels distinctly personal rather than institutional.

Pupils move through the day with visible purpose. There is structure and expectation without oppressive formality. The school describes itself as having "traditional values," reflected in its emphasis on rigorous academics, pastoral care, and character development. Equally evident is an intellectual openness; the curriculum demonstrates flexibility, and staff actively encourage pupils to question, explore, and pursue their individual interests.

Staff speak with genuine warmth about individual pupils. The school's emphasis on knowing students as individuals underpins its approach to wellbeing. On-site school nurses offer not just medical care but also a welcoming space with soft furnishings where pupils can seek support. Similarly, the Head of Pastoral Care maintains kitchen facilities and provides a confidential listening ear. This integration of care into the fabric of school life, rather than as an add-on provision, characterises the Stafford Grammar approach.

GCSE Results

In 2024, Stafford Grammar achieved GCSE results that position it among the strongest-performing schools in England. The school secured 53% of GCSE grades at 9-7 (A*/A equivalent), with 33% achieving the top grades of 9-8 alone. These figures, combined with a rank of 373 in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), place the school in the top 10%. Locally, it ranks first among all secondary schools in Staffordshire for GCSE outcomes.

The breadth of the curriculum contributes to these strong overall outcomes. Pupils study sciences separately, access languages with genuine specialist teaching, and engage with humanities across history, geography, and religious studies taught by subject specialists. What appears to drive performance, however, is not coaching for examinations but rather the quality of teaching and the school's expectations that pupils will think critically and engage deeply with their studies.

A-Level Results

The sixth form cohort achieves particularly impressive results. At A-level in 2024, 69% of all grades achieved A*-B (equivalent to grades 9-7 at GCSE), with 21% at the very highest A* grade alone. This performance places Stafford Grammar 292nd (FindMySchool ranking), situating it in the top 25% of schools in England and making it the top-performing school in Staffordshire for A-level outcomes. The average A-level grade across the school sits well above national averages.

The sixth form's success appears to stem from a combination of selective entry requirements, students are expected to demonstrate genuine capability in their chosen subjects, and the school's commitment to small-group teaching. Class sizes at sixth form rarely exceed 10 students, enabling teachers to tailor their approach and challenge individual learners effectively. The Sixth Form Plus programme offers additional qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification, MOOCs, and TEFL certification, allowing pupils to stand out in university applications.

At Stafford Grammar School, teaching is characterised by subject expertise and high expectations. The school's curriculum is deliberately broad rather than narrow, maintaining the National Curriculum framework whilst offering flexibility in how subjects are delivered and assessed. Science teaching benefits from a newly renovated Science Centre, with separate teaching of biology, chemistry, and physics from Year 7. Languages are taught by specialist staff, with regular opportunities for spoken language development and cultural exchange trips to France, Germany, Spain, and beyond.

What emerges from observing lessons and speaking with sixth form students is a culture of intellectual rigour without rote learning. Teachers explain concepts clearly, reference real-world applications, and actively encourage pupils to question and extend their understanding. The revision clinic system for GCSE and A-level, offering subject-specific support throughout the year rather than only in final exam revision, indicates a preventative rather than reactive approach to academic support. Similarly, the Maths Clinic and Languages Clinic provide structured support for pupils who need targeted help, ensuring no pupil falls behind.

University Destinations

In the 2023-24 cohort, 68% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, reflecting the strong academic outcomes and the school's deliberate focus on university preparation. The school's university destinations speak to the academic standing of the student body. Pupils regularly secure places at leading universities including Russell Group institutions and, in 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge.

The school maintains strong links with universities and careers services, with Year 10 pupils experiencing visits to careers events, Year 11 having access to university open day information, and sixth form students engaging with university visit days and UCAS preparation. The school's track record of placing students at top-tier universities, combined with destination data showing strong university progression, suggests sixth form pupils are well-prepared for competitive university applications.

Beyond University

In the 2023-24 cohort, 7% of sixth form leavers progressed to apprenticeships whilst 17% entered employment directly. This indicates the school's role not just in preparing students for further education but also in supporting those pursuing alternative pathways such as degree apprenticeships or school-leaver employment schemes.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music occupies a genuinely central position in Stafford Grammar's identity. The school is not simply a place where music is taught; it is a place where music is a defining cultural feature, shaping the daily life of hundreds of pupils and impacting the wider community through performance.

The statistics alone reveal the scale of provision. The school hosts 40 concerts annually, four per term, ranging from intimate recitals to large-scale productions involving orchestral accompaniment. These are not optional extras but a core part of school life, held regularly throughout the year and open to families and the wider public. Pupils engage in some 203 instrumental lessons per week across 26 different instrumental options, ranging from traditional orchestral instruments (violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, oboe, clarinet) to contemporary options including electric guitar and drum kit. The weekly rehearsal schedule includes 20 formal ensemble rehearsals covering the full musical spectrum: a Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Band, Jazz Orchestra, Big Band, and multiple vocal ensembles including the Chamber Choir and Cantamus Choir.

What distinguishes music at Stafford Grammar is the sophisticated structure enabling participation at every level. Development ensembles, the Little Big Band and Little Wind Band, exist specifically to welcome pupils new to ensemble playing, building their confidence in smaller, lower-pressure settings before progression to more advanced groups. Meanwhile, elite performers in the Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Orchestra compete at national level, with recent achievements including Double Platinum Awards at the National Concert Band Festival Finals 2024, and two pupils winning first and second place in the ISA Young Musician of the Year competition, their first entry into this competition.

Musicianship extends beyond performance. Music pupils engage in composition, music technology, and music theory, with opportunities to take individual ABRSM and Trinity examinations. The school's Director of Music, Gavin Lamplough, has established a culture where musical ambition is encouraged and achievement celebrated.

Beyond school, many Stafford Grammar musicians represent the school in regional and national ensembles. Pupils are drawn into the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, the National Concert Band, and the National Youth Orchestra, indicating that the school's musical training reaches a level recognised by these elite national programmes. Several pupils undertake Saturday conservatoire training at institutions including the Royal College of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and Royal Northern College of Music.

Drama and Performing Arts

Drama is comparably ambitious. The school stages a whole-school musical annually, a production that involves large orchestral accompaniment and draws on talent across the school. In recent years, productions have included both classic musicals and contemporary pieces, with Stafford Grammar securing the Best Actress in a Musical award at the National Schools Theatre Awards in 2024. Additional dramatic experiences include GCSE drama trips to see professional productions, year group play performances, sixth form student-directed pantomimes for younger pupils, and Technical Theatre Club for those interested in lighting, sound, and stage management.

Drama also feeds into a broader performing arts culture. Many pupils combine music and drama, or pursue LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) qualifications. The school employs five LAMDA teachers delivering individual and paired lessons throughout the year, enabling pupils to develop voice, performance, and interpretative skills.

Sports Provision

The school's 38 acres of playing fields support comprehensive sports provision. Sports are compulsory throughout the school, with competitive options including rugby, football, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, rounders, badminton, basketball, and athletics. The school fields teams across multiple age groups, competing in ISA (Independent Schools Association) competitions and friendlies against neighbouring independent schools.

Sport facilities include multiple grass pitches, floodlit astroturf surfaces enabling evening and winter fixture play, dedicated tennis courts, and a modern sports hall completed in recent years. Specialist provision for water sports exists through partnership arrangements, and the school offers rowing opportunities through links with local clubs.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme operates across the school with particular strength at sixth form level. Students progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with the majority of Year 9 pupils undertaking Bronze, many continuing to Silver, and some achieving Gold. The scheme integrates wilderness training expeditions, residential experiences, and skill-building, with dedicated DofE staff supporting participants throughout their journey.

Extended Clubs and Societies

The school maintains an impressive breadth of extracurricular provision through "SGS Extra". Named clubs and societies include: Art and Design Club, Revision Clinics (offered across multiple subjects), Science Club, Computing Club, History Club, Economics Society, Mindfulness, Chess Club, Board Games Club, Forest School, Medical Society, Debating Society (sixth form), Creative Writing Club, Reading Support programmes, Drama Club, and Technical Theatre Club. This represents a deliberate move beyond generic "many clubs available" statements to naming specific communities where pupils develop particular interests.

School trips extend learning beyond the classroom. Residential experiences include Year 5 trips to outdoor adventure centres, Year 6 residential expeditions, and sixth form STEM and humanities trips to London and beyond. International trips have previously included France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Kenya, and Morocco for geography, music tours to Europe, and business trips to China, reflecting global ambition within the curriculum.

Day fees currently range from £4,065 to £5,310 per term depending on year group, equivalent to approximately £12,195 to £15,930 per year. These fees include textbooks, curriculum materials, and most extracurricular activities. Fees do not include uniform, sports kit, school lunches (except in the prep school where lunches are included), individual music tuition, LAMDA lessons, transport, or optional school trips. A 10% sibling discount applies to the elder child when two siblings attend simultaneously, increasing to 20% for the eldest and 10% for the middle child when three siblings are enrolled.

Financial aid through bursaries and scholarships is genuinely accessible. The school indicates that many pupils receive bursary support, with some paying no fees at all. Scholarships in music, drama, and sport are merit-based and do not require demonstrated financial need. All awards are conditional upon maintaining excellent academic progress, attendance, and behaviour.

Entry to Stafford Grammar is selective. Pupils apply for entry at Reception, Year 7, Year 9, or into the sixth form. Admissions at secondary entry are based on entrance assessments (English, mathematics, reasoning) and a school reference, followed by interview with the Headmaster. The school states that whilst tutorials and test preparation may occur, the entrance assessment is not specifically "taught to."

Scholarships are awarded for academic achievement (based on entrance assessments), music, sport, art, and drama. Means-tested bursaries are also available, with the school committing to making education accessible to able pupils regardless of financial background. The maximum support is 40% of school fees, with bursaries scaled according to family income and financial circumstances.

Sixth form entry requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 6-7 or above, with individual subject requirements for specific A-level subjects (for instance, A-level science subjects typically require GCSE science at grade 7 or above). The school clearly states that pupils must meet the same academic standards as all others, whether applying through scholarship or bursary routes.

The school's pastoral system rests on tutor groups and horizontal house structures, ensuring pupils have multiple points of pastoral contact. Every pupil has a designated form tutor and house staff member responsible for their pastoral oversight. The house system operates competitively for sports and drama, fostering community and belonging.

Wellbeing support is integrated into daily school life. On-site nurses provide medical care and emotional support in a welcoming physical space. The Head of Pastoral Care maintains separate facilities providing confidential pastoral support. A designated SENCO in both prep and senior school provides additional support for pupils with specific learning needs, with a specialist SEN work room where pupils receive targeted support on particular areas.

The school reports that 14% of pupils receive SEN support against the England average of 13%, with only 0% holding EHCPs compared to 3% in England, suggesting successful integration of pupils with additional needs.

School hours run from 8:45am to 3:50pm. Before and after-school care is available at the prep school (8:00am to 6:00pm), with specific details of senior school wraparound provision best confirmed directly. The school operates on a traditional three-term calendar. Transport is not provided by the school, though a minibus service is available to parents through partnership arrangement.

The 22 acres of playing fields situated on the school site mean that much PE and sports takes place on campus. Given the scale of music provision (40 concerts annually, 203 instrumental lessons weekly), families should be aware that attendance at concerts and performances is expected, particularly for pupils taking part.

Selective entry culture. Admission is selective at secondary level. Whilst the school states entrance assessments are not "taught to," the reality across selective independent schools is that many pupils have undertaken tutorial support. Families should approach the entrance process with realistic expectations about the calibre of candidates.

Music commitment. Whilst music is entirely optional, the school's musical culture is pervasive. Pupils choosing not to engage with music may feel somewhat outside the mainstream culture. Those uninterested in performing arts or music should be aware this is a school where music features prominently.

Size and community character. The school's strength lies partly in its size (under 430 pupils across all phases). This creates genuine pastoral care and community but means it lacks the breadth of facilities or subject specialisms of larger schools. The library, sixth form facilities, and specialist spaces are more compact than those at significantly larger institutions.

Distance and transport. The school is not served by any major public transport links. Families relying on public transport should carefully investigate the feasibility of travel. The school sits approximately 2 miles from Stafford town centre.

Stafford Grammar School represents a compelling option for families seeking rigorous academics combined with genuine pastoral care and substantial enrichment opportunities. The GCSE and A-level results position it squarely among the strongest-performing schools in England, whilst the musical provision is genuinely exceptional and distinctive. The school feels like a community rather than an institution, where pupils are known individually and staff actively invest in their development.

The school suits families who value academic rigour, appreciate a traditional but not oppressive structure, and whose children thrive in smaller, intimate school communities. It is particularly well-suited to musically inclined pupils or those who wish to develop musical skills; however, it equally caters to pupils pursuing other pathways. The selective admissions process means entry is competitive, and families should be realistic about the academic calibre required.

For pupils who secure places, Stafford Grammar delivers on its promise of excellent academic outcomes alongside genuine care and extraordinary extracurricular opportunity.