Colchester County High School for Girls

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Colchester County High School for Girls is an exceptional school. Pupils are part of a respectful, kind and hard-working community. One sixth-form student commented, 'What we love about this school is people's attitudes to difference.'

Very many others shared this view.

The views of pupils are considered carefully and acted on effectively by the school. As a result, pupils feel safe in the school community.

Pupils look out for one another irrespective of their year group. They have a deep sense of loyalty towards the school.

The expectations staff have of pupils are extremely high.

Pupils also hold themselves to a high standard. As a result..., there is a culture of determination to succeed, not only academically but also to be good people who will make a difference both in school and the wider world.

There is a remarkable range of leadership opportunities for pupils.

They, and the school, benefit from pupils' capable leadership of clubs and societies as well as community involvement. They develop confidence and social maturity. Pupils engage with a huge range of extra-curricular clubs including the school orchestra, retro games club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The quality of education provided by the school is outstanding. As a result, the outcomes for pupils are some of the highest in the country. Sixth-form students also achieve well.

The curriculum is planned to ensure that pupils can remember information in the long term. Teachers' checks pick up quickly when pupils forget or misunderstand important knowledge. In response, teachers provide timely and effective support so that pupils do not fall behind.

Pupils are exceptionally knowledgeable about their subjects. The skills they demonstrate are remarkable.

The school has an impressive culture of professional development.

This ensures teachers have the subject knowledge and skills needed to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is ambitious. One student with SEND commented on 'the support and care received from the school'.

This is a view expressed by many pupils with additional needs. Pupils with SEND make excellent progress.

The school places great emphasis on reading.

This is evident through specific programmes for weaker readers and whole-school initiatives such as 'drop everything and read'. Support for those children who struggle with reading is well planned and delivered.The behaviour of pupils is exceptional.

Staff expectations of pupils are high and consistent, and the pupils' expectations of their own behaviour and that of their peers are similarly high. Pupils want to behave well. In lessons, pupils focus intently on their learning.

This supports them to make rapid and sustained progress. During social times, the school is calm. Pupils are polite and patient when queuing, such as for lunch and mock examinations.

Sixth-form students demonstrate confidence and maturity. There is a thread of mutual respect that runs throughout the school.

Pupils have access to a rich and diverse range of activities both in and outside the curriculum to enable them to develop their character.

There is a detailed and precise programme of personal, social, health and economic education planned and mapped across the school. This includes an effective careers programme for all pupils. Pupils speak highly of this and the impact it has on them.

Sixth-form students describe the range of post-16 options available to them. They feel very well supported when making decisions about their futures. Outside lessons, pupils access an astonishing range of extra-curricular activities.

Almost all pupils participate in these clubs. Many of these opportunities are pupil-led. Pupils recognise how fortunate they are to be able to be involved in these activities.

Pupils attend school regularly. This enables them to take full advantage of the high quality of education provided by the school. This is because attendance is monitored effectively but with understanding.

If a pupil is late, they are asked if they are alright, not why they are late.

Leaders at all levels have maintained an exceptional level of education for the pupils. Expectations extend well beyond academic achievement.

Trustees and governors actively support the school in ensuring that the well-being and workload of staff are addressed effectively. Governors have effective training and hold school leaders to account. Staff enjoy working at the school.

They comment very positively on the respect they are shown and the community ethos of the school. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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