Bishop Challoner Girls’ School, located in London, was inspected on 24 and 25 November 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and personal development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good. The school had previously been judged as outstanding during its last inspection seven years prior, which was under a different inspection framework. The gap between inspections was longer than usual due to legal exemptions from routine inspections.
Pupils at Bishop Challoner value their education and appreciate the opportunities to socialize and form friendships. Teachers maintain high expectations for student effort, and pupils describe their teachers as kind and supportive. The sixth-form staff provide additional tuition for students who may fall behind due to illness or other reasons. Recent changes implemented by new leadership have positively impacted pupil behavior and attitudes, leading to a calm and friendly atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and know they can approach staff for help with any issues, including bullying, which is not tolerated.
The school emphasizes teaching pupils how to navigate contemporary challenges, including healthy relationships and understanding the nature of abusive relationships. These lessons are delivered in an age-appropriate manner and involve older pupils in creating relatable resources for younger students. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils can make connections across subjects, enhancing their understanding of various topics.
New leaders and governors have ambitious goals and have quickly identified areas needing improvement. They have implemented significant changes that have led to notable advancements in the school’s operations. The curriculum is logically planned, allowing pupils to revise and build on their knowledge effectively. Teachers are well-trained and collaborate to enhance their expertise, ensuring that they can meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Despite the broad curriculum, some subjects are discontinued at the end of Year 8, limiting opportunities for deeper exploration in those areas. Subject leaders are actively working to address this by reorganizing subject plans to allow for more in-depth study. In the sixth form, students have access to a variety of academic and vocational courses, and they benefit from comprehensive careers guidance from Year 7 onwards.
Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to learn and engage actively in their studies. The school provides numerous opportunities for personal development, teaching respect for all faiths and the value of diversity. The establishment of a pupil council allows students to have a voice in school governance, and sixth-form students mentor younger pupils. The school has received recognition for its commitment to teaching about the Holocaust and hosts a series of lectures on diverse topics.
Leaders are aware that the changes made to improve the school may lead to increased workloads for some staff. To support staff welfare, a well-being group has been established, and governors have allocated budget resources for this initiative. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report any concerns regarding pupil safety. Leaders maintain strong connections with external agencies to ensure timely support for pupils in need.
Overall, Bishop Challoner Girls’ School is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment, with ongoing efforts to enhance the curriculum and support for all students.
