John Gray High School

A public high school located at 73 Academy Way, George Town, Cayman Islands.

More Information:

Catchment Area: All areas on the west side of Spotts-Newlands Road, and on the west side of Chime Street, the Bypass or the East/West Arterial.

Head of School: Mr. John Clark

School Inspection Report:
John Gray High School - Inspection report - April 2021 - result: 'Good'

Key points made in their April 2021 school inspection report:
John Gray High School was a good school that has made significant improvements since the last inspection. Most important were the increases in students’ achievement. More students achieved well, with a good number exceeding international standards in examinations and in their classroom work. Attainment was particularly strong in English and there was a good improvement in standards in mathematics and science. There were also high standards in other subjects and in extracurricular activities such as music, drama and physical education. The curriculum was broad and catered for the interests and needs of almost all students. It was strongest in Key stage 4 with a new Key Stage 3 curriculum in development. Teaching and learning were good and resulted in improvements in students’ achievements from sometimes low starting points. Students were supported by very well-structured assessment practices and effective interventions.

Music was a strength, students had excellent opportunities to learn a wide range of instruments and to sing in choirs at a high standard. Not only were students achieving high levels of skills, but they were also given the opportunity to play in different groupings which in turn strengthened their ability to work with others and develop leadership skills. Performances and events outside the school had given students a perception of how they are received in public and how their best work attracts positive attention.

Leadership was excellent, as the school had a strong focus on improvement which was led by the Principal and supported by the whole leadership team. Self-evaluation and development planning was good because it was realistic and based on the school’s capacity and the resources available, whilst still being aspirational. Students readily took on responsibilities and positions of leadership: they were passionate about helping the school excel and were justifiably proud of its successes. Service clubs and similar activities ensured students’ pride in being Caymanian was fostered and students demonstrated their excellent civic and environmental understanding. The school had made good links with the community and all students were expected to provide service, for example, during the COVID-19 lockdown they reached out to support those in need.

Behaviour was good with students wanting to show their very best. In discussions they showed a sophisticated and sensitive understanding of those who found conforming difficult and brought stresses from home into school. The support and guidance the school gave to all members of the school community was good and had offered many individuals invaluable help in achieving well both academically and personally. The school site was fragmented and problematic with buildings of varying quality dispersed over a wide area. This had an impact on learning and in the provision of high-quality specialist facilities. The provision of laptops to Years 9, 10 and 11, and those being rolled out to Year 8, had broadened learning possibilities for students, which parents valued, though not all felt that there were systems in place to so that they could help their children with their homework. Source: Cayman Islands Office of Education Standards