Manchester High School for Girls
Grangethorpe Road, Manchester, M14 6HS
Pupils
974
Ages
4 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Helen Fiona Jeys
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,234 to £4,410
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, HMC
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester High School for Girls, located in the heart of Manchester, is a distinguished educational establishment that has been nurturing young women since 1874. With a rich history and a forward-thinking ethos, the school is committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares its students for a wide array of future opportunities.
The transition from the prep to the senior school is seamless for most students, with almost all girls progressing to the senior school. The school ensures that any girl who has struggled in prep is supported in finding a more suitable educational path. The majority of new entrants to Year 7 come from a diverse range of approximately 50 feeder schools. The entry process is comprehensive, involving exams in Maths, essay writing, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. High performers are invited for interviews, which include their parents, and a school report from the applicant’s current headteacher is a crucial part of the selection process. The school seeks students with a solid foundation, focusing on attitude and basic skills rather than perfection.
For entry into the sixth form, both internal and external candidates must meet the same criteria: at least five GCSEs at grade 7, including good passes in English and Maths, with a 7 in Maths required for those wishing to study a science. The school is flexible in cases of extenuating circumstances, ensuring that students can thrive and succeed.
The school boasts a proactive approach to careers, with advisers, regular talks, and presentations, often delivered by alumnae. The Project Pankhurst mentoring scheme is particularly popular, offering sixth formers the chance to connect with former students now working in their chosen industries for advice and support.
The academic results are consistently impressive, with a high percentage of students achieving top grades at both GCSE and A level. Biology and Chemistry are popular A level choices, closely followed by Maths and Economics. The school no longer offers the International Baccalaureate but provides the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as an alternative.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vital part of school life. The school supports students with particular talents, whether in sports or the arts, and offers a wide range of activities for all students. The extended lunch hour allows girls to participate in various clubs, from cryptography to Bollywood dance. The school’s facilities include top-notch performance spaces and vibrant art rooms.
Sport is well catered for, with excellent facilities including a swimming pool and a climbing wall. The school’s ethos and heritage are deeply rooted in its history, with a focus on providing the best education possible. The atmosphere is energetic and forward-looking, with a culturally diverse student body. The school celebrates diversity, with inclusive assemblies and friendship groups that transcend faith, ethnicity, and social background.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a dedicated pastoral deputy head and a team of staff assigned to the four houses. The school addresses bullying sensitively and effectively, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students. Academic support is readily available, with homework and subject clinics providing additional help.
Parents and pupils alike appreciate the school’s effective communication and collaborative approach. The school accommodates the needs of working parents with support for transport and an extended school day. Bursaries are available to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to the school’s opportunities.
In conclusion, Manchester High School for Girls is a vibrant community that promotes hard work, ambition, and the development of intelligent, capable women. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Manchester High School for Girls is an independent, selective day school located in Manchester, catering for female pupils aged 4 to 18 years. Established in 1874, the school has a rich history and has evolved into a charitable trust governed by a board of governors. The current headmistress, Mrs. Claire Hewitt, has been in position since 2009. The school moved to its current site 75 years ago and features a two-form preparatory department alongside a senior school that accommodates pupils from Year 7 through to the sixth form.
The school aims to provide a holistic education that encourages each pupil to reach their full potential while fostering a sense of responsibility towards others within a diverse community. The student body is composed of pupils from various social and cultural backgrounds, with a significant number receiving bursaries. The school has identified students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all pupils, including those with English as an additional language, receive appropriate support.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that the school meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school excels in these areas, with no further action required following the inspection.
In terms of educational quality, the school has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Performance in public examinations, including GCSEs and A-levels, has consistently surpassed national averages. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to make significant progress, and teaching methods are effective in promoting good behavior and engagement. The school has implemented a robust assessment framework to monitor pupil performance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible citizenship and tolerance. The school has established a supportive environment that encourages pupils to reflect on their learning and personal growth. Arrangements for safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare are in place, ensuring a safe and healthy school environment.
The school maintains rigorous checks to ensure the suitability of staff and has appropriate facilities to meet the needs of all pupils. The premises are well-maintained, providing a conducive learning environment. Information is effectively communicated to parents, and complaints are handled through a structured process that ensures transparency and accountability.
Leadership and management at the school are characterized by strong skills and knowledge, ensuring that the educational needs of pupils are prioritized. The school actively promotes the well-being of its students, contributing to a positive school culture.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and engage actively in lessons. Pupils are articulate, collaborative, and develop strong study skills from an early age. The school provides a wide range of co-curricular activities that enhance pupils' personal development and contribute to their overall success.
Pupils exhibit a high level of self-confidence and are well-prepared for future challenges. They engage in various activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility. The school encourages pupils to contribute to their community, fostering a sense of empathy and awareness of social issues.
Overall, Manchester High School for Girls provides a nurturing and challenging environment that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its outstanding achievements and the positive experiences of its students. The strong emphasis on values such as respect, tolerance, and inclusivity further enhances the school's reputation as a leading educational institution.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024