St Paul’s School for Girls

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school This is a school with very high expectations of pupils and staff. It also provides impressive pastoral care and high-quality support for all who need it. The outstanding leadership of the headteacher, very ably supported by senior leaders, has seen the school improve since its previous inspection.

Teaching and outcomes are now both outstanding. Governors provide genuine support and strong challenge to leaders. They are reflective and determined to see the school continue to improve.

Middle leaders form a strong, united and effective team. Senior leaders support them well but also trust them to lead improvements in their areas of r...esponsibility. Pupils' progress by the end of key stage 4 has been very strong, in all subjects, for the last three years.

The most able pupils do especially well. Disadvantaged pupils make strong progress in all subjects because of high-quality teaching and well-focused extra help when they need it. Provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is excellent.

Teachers and other adults support these pupils very well. Teachers use their expert subject knowledge to plan lessons that interest and challenge pupils. They have high expectations of pupils' conduct and achievement.

Teachers use questions skilfully and pupils respond thoughtfully. Consequently, pupils develop a deep understanding of what they are studying. Relationships are excellent throughout the school.

Pupils feel supported by their teachers, other adults and their peers. Consequently, they are happy to tackle challenging work without fear of failure. Pupils' behaviour is impeccable in lessons and around the school.

They are unfailingly courteous and well mannered. Pupils are diligent, enthusiastic and resilient learners. They are articulate and keen to do well.

They work equally well independently and when collaborating with others. Sixth-form provision is well led and improving, but not as effective as key stages 3 and 4. Students' progress, although good, varies between subjects.

Leaders do not plan and monitor some aspects of students' study programmes as well as other areas.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. This is an average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. The majority of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and the proportion who speak English as an additional language is well above average. An average proportion of pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The school does not make use of any alternative provision. The school meets current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' progress. The school's most recent section 48 inspection of religious education took place in April 2015.