St Albans Girls’ School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher, senior and middle leaders along with governors aspire for excellence in achievement, the quality of teaching and the personal development for every student. Leaders thoroughly check all aspects of the school's work, and address any identified shortcomings speedily. High-quality training for teachers and leaders has played a major part in raising standards.

Students in all age groups make outstanding progress and reach exceptionally high standards across a wide range of subjects. The school has excellent systems for keeping a close eye on how well all students are doing. Those identified as not being on track to m...eet their ambitious targets are given valuable and personalised support which enables them to make outstanding progress.

Teaching is outstanding. Well-planned lessons provide activities that are matched very precisely to different ability levels. Students are challenged to think deeply and encouraged to develop their independent learning skills.

Students' work is marked thoroughly, with useful comments to help them improve. Just occasionally, they do not get enough chance to reflect on and respond to these comments. Students' attitudes to learning, behaviour and all aspects of school life are exemplary.

They value and thrive on the many opportunities to take on responsibility, as well as the exciting range of enrichment activities on offer. As a result, they develop very strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural values. Students have a well-developed and mature understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe.

Attendance is consistently above average. The sixth form is outstanding. Students' learning and aspirations are extended through partnerships with neighbouring schools and colleges.

Their achievement and the quality of teaching are outstanding, and they leave the school extremely well prepared for later life. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of the school's work. Virtually all would recommend it to others.

Information about this school

This is a well-above-average sized girls' secondary school. A small number of boys are admitted into the sixth form. The school converted to academy status in September 2011.

When the predecessor school, St Albans Girls' School, was last inspected its overall effectiveness was judged to be good. A well-below-average proportion of students are supported by additional funding through the pupil premium, including those known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of students supported through school action is below average.

The proportion supported through school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is well below average. An above-average proportion of students speak English as an additional language. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds, with the remainder coming from a range of minority ethnic groups.

A very small number of students have work-related alternative provision away from the school site. Some aspects of the post-16 curriculum are taught in partnership with three other schools. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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