Penwortham Girls’ High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are very proud to be part of this welcoming and happy school community.

They develop strong and trusting relationships with staff and their peers. Older pupils relish taking on roles such as 'happy mind' leaders. Through such positions, they help younger pupils to make friends and settle into school quickly.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), behave exceptionally well. They respond positively to the 'passport to success' reward system which promotes the school's values. Pupils are extremely polite and understand the importance of respecting the differences that exist between themselves and others.

This co...ntributes to a calm learning environment where pupils are free to be themselves.

Pupils live up to the school's exceedingly high expectations for their academic success. They are keen to succeed and they strive to do their very best.

Pupils leave Year 11 with a wide body of knowledge across all of the subjects that they study. They are exceptionally well prepared to move into further education, training or employment.

Pupils access a vast array of events and activities beyond the academic curriculum.

These serve to promote their understanding of the wider world, harness their talents and develop their sense of empathy and responsibility. For example, pupils relish the chance to be part of the many 'action groups' that exist in the school. Many pupils participate in the wide range of international trips that are on offer.

These visits enable them to take part in activities such as rocket building and scuba diving as well as enriching their knowledge of historical battles, glaciers and engineering.

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

Pupils access a carefully designed and highly ambitious curriculum. The school has thought deeply about the knowledge that pupils need for their future success.

This is seamlessly interwoven with a wide range of experiences that enhance pupils' learning and capture their interests.

Teachers are expert in using the curriculum guidance to design learning activities that enable pupils to deepen their knowledge over time. Pupils are given ample opportunities to connect what they already know with new learning.

This enables them to grasp increasingly complex concepts. The focus on vocabulary means that pupils gain a strong understanding of subject-specific language. The systematic checks on what pupils know and remember help teachers to address misconceptions quickly.

As a result, pupils make exceptional progress across the curriculum. Their attainment by the end of Year 11 is significantly above the national average in most subjects.

The school has well-established and effective systems to identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND.

Teachers use the information that they receive about pupils' needs to adapt the delivery of subject content. This helps pupils to access the curriculum and achieve exceptionally well.

The joy of reading is promoted very well.

Across the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to immerse themselves in books. Those pupils who find reading difficult receive timely and effective support. This ensures that they overcome gaps in their reading knowledge.

Consequently, pupils read with accuracy and fluency. This contributes to their success in other curriculum areas.

Pupils engage extremely well in their learning.

They are highly motivated and enthusiastic about their studies. The school expertly supports the small number of pupils who struggle to regulate their behaviour. This means that learning is unhindered by disruption.

Pupils attend school regularly and on time.

The school's programme to promote pupils' personal development is exemplary.There are extensive opportunities to develop pupils' interests and talents.

For instance, pupils explore global issues and learn about advocacy and human rights through the form time 'referendum'. The school also uses its 'buddy form' programme to strengthen pupils' awareness of their community and charitable projects. Diversity is celebrated well.

Pupils relish the opportunities to learn about cultural traditions and different faiths. As such, pupils have a mature understanding of fundamental British values. They are prepared very well for life in modern Britain.

Pupils receive a comprehensive careers information and guidance programme. This helps them to make aspirational choices about their future careers.

Leaders at all levels, along with a motivated staff team, have successfully maintained the excellent quality of education at this school over a sustained period of time.

Governors offer well informed support and challenge that has aided the school's continued improvement. Staff are immensely grateful for the consideration that is given to their workload and their professional development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.