Withington Girls' School

Withington Girls’ School is an academically selective independent day school for female pupils, established in 1890 and located in Fallowfield, Manchester. The school operates as a charitable trust overseen by a board of governors and comprises both junior and senior schools on a single site. The school aims to provide the highest standard of education and care, fostering academic success and personal development through a wide range of extracurricular activities. The diverse school population includes pupils from various geographical, social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds, with a significant number receiving financial support through means-tested bursaries.

The school’s assessment indicates that pupils enter the junior school with above-average ability, and national standardized test data shows that senior school pupils perform well above average. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, as well as those who speak English as an additional language, and provides appropriate support for both groups. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential and develop into mature, independent learners.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate revealed that the school does not meet all required standards, particularly in the area of safeguarding. While the school promotes good behavior and has measures in place to prevent bullying, there were isolated instances where the procedures for checking the suitability of staff were not sufficiently rigorous. The school must ensure that all required vetting checks are completed for newly appointed staff before they commence employment, including obtaining references and checking against the barred list.

The quality of education provided at Withington Girls’ School is generally strong, with teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. Pupils receive relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, in line with statutory guidance. The school’s assessment framework confirms that teaching enables pupils to make good progress, and the standards relating to the quality of education are met.

In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal development of pupils as responsible citizens. The arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils are generally effective, although some improvements are needed in the area of staff suitability checks. The school has a disability access plan in place and meets health and safety requirements, including those related to fire safety and first aid.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, with outstanding results in entrance and public examinations. Pupils demonstrate exemplary attitudes towards learning and possess highly developed information and communication technology skills. The school encourages pupils to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall development and success.

Pupils’ personal development is also rated as excellent, with strong self-knowledge, resilience, and determination to improve. They display a strong social and moral conscience and actively contribute to the lives of others within the school and the wider community. The school fosters a culture of high aspirations and expectations, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning and decisions.

The inspection report recommends that the school strengthen pupils’ independent learning skills by increasing opportunities for them to use their initiative and be more actively involved in their learning. While most teaching is highly effective in engaging pupils’ interest, there are instances where opportunities for independent exploration and challenge are limited.

Overall, Withington Girls’ School provides a supportive and challenging environment for its pupils, promoting academic excellence and personal growth. The school’s commitment to high standards of education and care is evident in its achievements and the positive experiences of its pupils. However, addressing the identified compliance issues, particularly in safeguarding and staff suitability checks, is essential to ensure the continued well-being and safety of all pupils. The school’s leadership must demonstrate effective management practices to consistently meet all regulatory standards and actively promote the welfare of pupils.