Fulham Cross Girls’ School and Language College, located in Fulham, London, was inspected on May 24 and 25, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Personal development was highlighted as outstanding. The school had not been inspected previously as an academy due to legal exemptions until November 2020, resulting in a longer gap between inspections.
The school fosters a supportive and welcoming community, with leaders developing an aspirational curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. Staff and students are aligned with the school’s goals, and pupils express enjoyment in learning and pride in their school. The curriculum promotes diversity, acceptance, and respect for others, helping students grow into responsible citizens. Pupils are actively involved in decision-making processes, and they appreciate the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available to them.
Pupils feel confident that any instances of bullying will be addressed effectively, and staff are proactive in managing concerns. The school maintains high expectations and ensures equal opportunities for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and focus on helping pupils learn and retain essential knowledge, leading to good academic achievement across the curriculum.
The curriculum is ambitious and broad, allowing pupils to study a variety of subjects in their early years and choose from a wide range of academic and vocational options in later years. The school emphasizes the importance of practice and application of knowledge through initiatives like weekly empowerment lessons. Learning is carefully sequenced, and previous knowledge is revisited regularly to reinforce understanding. Assessments are designed to identify gaps in knowledge, and teachers address these promptly, including any gaps that may have arisen during the pandemic.
While most subjects reflect high expectations and result in quality work, there are instances where adaptations for pupils with special educational needs are not consistently implemented. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all pupils benefit from targeted support that enables them to access the curriculum effectively. Additionally, while the school promotes a love of reading, there are times when pupils do not receive adequate guidance on selecting appropriate reading materials to enhance their fluency and confidence.
The school provides a rich array of experiences beyond the academic curriculum, focusing on developing pupils’ confidence and character. Pupils learn about safety, kindness, and respect, and they are taught to recognize their rights and responsibilities. Leadership opportunities are plentiful, and careers guidance is well-structured, preparing pupils for future options. The school effectively promotes positive attitudes towards learning, resulting in classrooms that are conducive to education.
Staff report feeling well-supported by school leaders, who prioritize professional development and well-being. The governing body plays an active role in supporting and monitoring the school’s progress. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with systems in place to address individual pupil needs. Leaders work closely with families and external agencies to ensure pupil safety, particularly regarding mental health support.
In summary, Fulham Cross Girls’ School and Language College demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent support for all pupils, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering a positive learning experience for its students.
