Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, located in Lancaster, Lancashire, was inspected by Ofsted on 21 and 22 September 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth-form provision receiving outstanding ratings. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020. The inspection report reflects the current framework and acknowledges any changes since the last inspection of the predecessor school.
Students at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School express high levels of satisfaction with their school experience, feeling happy and safe. They easily make friends and appreciate the diversity among their peers. The school has a strong anti-bullying policy, with staff addressing any incidents swiftly. Pupils understand the high expectations set by school leaders, which are encapsulated in the school’s values of care, contribute, and challenge. These expectations support all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities, in achieving well. The sixth-form students, in particular, demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
Behaviour in the school is exemplary, with students showing eagerness to learn and engaging positively during social times. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for LGBTQ+ students, a student council, and various sports and music clubs. Participation in these activities is high, including among disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs.
The school’s leadership has ensured that all students study a broad and ambitious curriculum, resulting in strong academic outcomes. Most key stage four pupils follow the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, preparing them well for A-level courses. Sixth-form students are well-prepared for their next steps, often progressing to prestigious universities.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge, which aids in delivering the curriculum effectively. They carefully plan the order of knowledge acquisition, ensuring that students build on their existing knowledge. However, some pupils struggle to grasp key concepts on the first attempt, and while most teachers address misconceptions, there are instances where students are moved on too quickly without securing foundational knowledge. This can hinder progress for some pupils.
Reading is highly valued at the school, with students expressing a love for reading both in their studies and leisure time. The library is a popular resource, and effective support is provided for those who find reading challenging, enabling them to catch up quickly.
The school has robust systems in place for identifying the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities. While students in the sixth form achieve well, there are areas for improvement in key stages three and four, where some staff may not adapt the curriculum delivery effectively for these students.
The school provides a comprehensive programme of extracurricular activities that enrich students' understanding of the wider world. Character education is a strong focus, with numerous leadership opportunities available to students. High-quality careers advice is also provided.
Governors fulfill their responsibilities and hold school leaders accountable for educational quality. Staff appreciate the support provided by leaders regarding their well-being and workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to students.
In summary, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring all students grasp essential knowledge before progressing, the school overall is performing well and preparing its students for future success.
