Selly Park Girls' School, located in Birmingham, received a 'Good' rating in its recent inspection, with outstanding marks in behavior and personal development. The school has a strong reputation for fostering both academic and social growth among its pupils. Leaders maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior, which students respond to positively. The school's vision is evident throughout its operations, promoting inspiration and aspiration among the student body.
Pupils exhibit exceptional behavior, demonstrating focus and motivation in lessons. Strong relationships between students and staff contribute to a positive learning environment, where bullying is rare and effectively addressed by the pastoral team. The curriculum is broad and varied, allowing students at key stage four to choose from a range of subjects. High levels of support are provided, including a Saturday school, ensuring students are well-prepared for their GCSE examinations, with many achieving impressive outcomes.
The school offers a rich array of experiences that enhance personal development. The 'Selly Park Seven' initiative ensures that all pupils engage in diverse activities throughout their time at the school, from volunteering in Year 7 to visiting local and national attractions in Years 10 and 11. Leaders demonstrate a strong understanding of the community they serve, recognizing the challenges faced by many students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They have implemented an ambitious curriculum that includes provisions for students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all pupils can succeed.
The curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced, with careful consideration given to the order of topics studied. This approach allows pupils to build on their learning over time. In subjects like history and English, the curriculum is tailored to reflect the local context, enhancing student engagement and progress. Teaching is effective, with educators utilizing their subject knowledge to explain concepts clearly and employing questioning strategies to assess understanding. However, there are instances where assessment methods in key stage three could be improved to better support student learning.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is exemplary, with teachers and learning mentors providing effective assistance in the classroom. Individual learning plans are regularly reviewed, and staff receive ongoing training to address specific needs. The school has established a clear strategy for developing reading skills, with assessments identifying students who require additional literacy support. Interventions are timely and effective, enabling struggling readers to catch up quickly.
The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, covering citizenship and personal, social, health, and economic education. Pupils learn about important topics in an age-appropriate manner, and various activities, such as first-aid training and inter-house competitions, are integrated into school life. The careers program offers numerous opportunities for students to engage with the world of work, including college visits and apprenticeship talks.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that statutory duties are met effectively. Leaders prioritize staff well-being and workload management, although some staff have expressed concerns about the impact of new initiatives on their workload. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils receive timely support.
Overall, Selly Park Girls' School demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education, personal development, and community engagement. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, with a focus on enhancing assessment practices and maintaining open communication with staff regarding changes and initiatives.
