Watford Grammar School for Girls

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are rightly proud to attend this remarkable school. Pupils are caring, kind and considerate of others.

Being a 'Watford Girl' is important because it gives pupils a strong sense of belonging, heritage and shared values. While recognising its rich history, the school continues to adapt and evolve to provide the best opportunities for pupils.

The school has a high ambition for what all pupils can achieve.

This means that pupils, regardless of their starting points, achieve well and participate highly in the wide range of opportunities that the school offers.

Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils consistently rise to meet thes...e.

Pupils are well cared for through their daily interactions with staff, effective pastoral support and weekly academic tutoring sessions, where their progress and well-being are discussed.

Pupils come from a diverse range of backgrounds. They appreciate how well the school helps them to understand diversity in their school community and the wider world.

One pupil expressed what many felt, 'We're not just tolerant of difference. The school helps us to celebrate it'. This is promoted through the curriculum, visiting speakers and work in the local community.

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

Leaders have designed an ambitious and well thought out curriculum. Although there is a sharp focus on academic subjects, the school ensures that pupils receive a high-quality education in the arts, practical subjects and physical education. Pupils value the range of subjects that they study and the extra-curricular opportunities that these subjects provide.

The school continually reviews and looks to improve already strong areas to make them even better. Pupils are highly knowledgeable and achieve exceptionally well in national examinations. This prepares them well for future study and employment.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the curriculum successfully and achieve particularly well. The school has acted robustly to strengthen the help that pupils with SEND receive in recent years. There are effective processes for identifying pupils with SEND.

Teachers receive the information and training they need to support pupils with SEND well. This ensures that pupils get the help they need in a timely way.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge.

Regular training ensures teachers keep up to date with their subject and teaching expertise. This contributes to highly effective teaching in the school and sixth form. Teachers explain things clearly.

They use questioning skilfully to deepen pupils' knowledge and understanding. Consequently, pupils think hard about what they are learning and ask thoughtful questions about subject content. Teachers check routinely on how well pupils are learning.

Teachers use these checks to adapt the curriculum and teaching carefully where needed. All of this enables pupils to learn exceptionally well.

Reading is prioritised from the moment that pupils start in Year 7.

They have frequent opportunities to read across the curriculum and in tutor times. Many pupils use time outside of lessons to read for pleasure. The well-used library is a hive of activity throughout the day.

Pupils see reading as an essential skill because the school teaches them it is important. Pupils who struggle to read get highly effective support to become fluent readers. This helps them access the curriculum successfully.

Pupils' attitudes towards others and their learning are highly positive. These are underpinned by a set of values that the school has crafted in close collaboration with the whole school community. Lessons are free of disruption, enabling pupils to focus on learning.

Teachers swiftly address off-task behaviour on the rare occasions it occurs.

There is a well-planned, coherent programme of personal development from Year 7 to Year 13. Pupils gain the age-appropriate knowledge they need to understand the world, stay safe and contribute positively to society.

Pupils value this aspect of the school's work. There is a comprehensive careers programme in place. This prepares pupils and students extremely well in considering and taking their next steps in education and employment.

Disadvantaged pupils receive bespoke help and guidance to ensure they have the same opportunities as others.

Leaders at all levels are focused on achieving the very best for pupils. Trustees know the school well and provide highly effective support and challenge.

Staff are proud to work here. The school has created a culture where positive relationships are valued. Staff receive high-quality training and support.

They are very positive about consideration of their workload and well-being. This helps to ensure a stable, dedicated staff body.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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