Wolverhampton Girls’ High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

At Wolverhampton Girls' High School pupils achieve academic excellence and contribute positively to all aspects of school life. They are proud to be a part of this diverse and inclusive community.

Pupils benefit from an exceptional enrichment offer. The school provides numerous, varied opportunities to nurture, develop and stretch pupils' talents and interests. Pupils speak highly of these and make good use of them.

They often take the lead and are instrumental in establishing new clubs and societies, such as law society, debating club, and gothic film club, as well as events such as 'culture day'. The school has ensured there is something for everyone.

The s...chool has a vast array of opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles.

Older pupils are role models and look out for their younger peers. The 'mental health student support team' is there to listen to those who need someone to talk to. Sixth-form 'academic mentors' impart their subject knowledge to those who need guidance.

The school's motto, 'Ludus supra praemium', emphasises the value of wholeheartedly being part of the school community. Pupils are on board with this and strive to achieve their personal best. They successfully gain places at their chosen universities to study degrees, apprenticeships and other courses.

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

Pupils receive an outstanding quality of education. Curriculum planning is meticulous and exceeds the expectations of the national curriculum. Staff have high expectations of how pupils will develop their knowledge over time from Year 7 to Year 13.

There is a clear vision of what pupils need to learn and how they will learn it to become experts in the subjects they are studying. As a result, pupils are continuously and systematically building on their knowledge.

Pupils have highly positive attitudes and are committed to their education.

They are taught by staff who are subject specialists. Teachers use a wide range of teaching strategies and analogies to bring learning to life. They continually check that pupils have grasped the learning.

They effortlessly adapt the work for those who do not understand and also for those who need their knowledge deepened further. As a result, pupils make excellent progress.

The school has engendered in pupils a love of reading.

Sixth-form students are mentors for their younger peers. They support those who are proficient readers and those who need some extra help. Monthly library lessons include designing a book cover or writing a book review.

In sixth-form enrichment lessons, students take part in writing their own play for the National Theatre. Lessons include a range of literary techniques such as extracting key information from articles. All of this further develops pupils into confident young adults who articulate themselves well.

The school accurately identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is a team around each pupil with SEND that supports them in all aspects of school life. Staff are well trained to know who the pupils with SEND are and how to meet their needs.

As a result, pupils with SEND progress exceptionally well.

Pupils behave impeccably and have high levels of respect for one another. There is a strong focus on supporting the well-being and mental health of pupils.

The dedicated pastoral team includes educational psychologists, the school counsellor, well-being officers and house leaders. The team has the expertise to deal with issues that pupils are experiencing. Pupils are keen to help each other, both academically and emotionally.

The 'anti-bullying ambassadors' deliver information to pupils through assemblies and newsletters, ensuring that the theme of anti-bullying stays on everyone's radar. They are approachable and listen to any concerns that pupils have, passing these on to the adults, who ensure that pupils get the right help at the right time. All of this supports pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs.

Personal, social and health education (PSHE) is taught by experts. Pupils play an influential role in developing this rich curriculum. It incorporates local issues and any concerns that pupils may have.

There is a clear rationale for what will be taught and when. Guest speakers, including emergency services and the NHS, reinforce key messages. Pupils have a great understanding of this curriculum, which resonates in their character.

The house system brings out the competitiveness in pupils. In the 'house arts', dancers, actors, musicians and singers compete. In the 'house winter games', pupils compete in activities such as the spelling challenge, board games and a heart dissection.

Pupils are keen to contribute and make a difference to the house they represent.

The comprehensive careers programme is embedded in the academic and PSHE curriculum. Pupils have a secure understanding of vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, A levels and university courses.

Pupils in Years 10 and 12 benefit from work experience. The programme ensures that pupils are well prepared and have the confidence to make decisions about their next steps.

Leaders continuously evaluate the effectiveness of all that they do.

As a result, they have a clear oversight of the school, placing pupils' best interests at heart. The quality of the education pupils receive is exceptional, additionally enriched through their personal development.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.