Greenbank High School in Southport has been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors.
It is the school’s first inspection since being awarded Academy status in 2012.
Greenbank, on Hastings Road in Birkdale, was rated ‘Good’ under all four areas: The Quality of Education; Good Behaviour and Attitudes; Good Personal Development; and Good Leadership and Management.
The school, led by Headteacher Katy Robinson, teaches 1,042 girls aged between 11 and 16 years old.
Ofsted has not previously inspected Greenbank High as an Academy as, until November 2020, the school was exempted by law from routine inspection, so there has been a longer gap than usual between inspections.
In the report, an Ofsted team led by His Majesty’s Lead Inspector Kate Bowker said: “Pupils are happy at Greenbank High School and they value the education that they receive. Pupils embrace the school’s values of a ‘can-do’ attitude and strive to be the best they can be.
“Everyone feels accepted and welcome. Leaders and staff have high expectations for pupils. In lessons, pupils are focused fully on their learning and behave well.
“Leaders and staff have worked diligently to ensure that pupils’ learning is well thought through. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
“Most pupils feel safe at the school. They appreciate the care and nurture that they receive from the school’s pastoral team. For example, the ‘We are awesome’ club helps younger pupils to settle quickly and to build friendships. Pupils said that sometimes bullying does happen, but that if it does, they know that staff will deal with it effectively.
“Many pupils benefit from a plethora of extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Pupils communicate well with teachers about their interests and staff have responded by designing activities that have sparked pupils’ imaginations.
“Pupils enjoy attending a host of activities from across faculty areas, including sports and music activities, chess club, embroidery club or the many activities on offer in the school library.”
Ofsted found that the school’s leaders are aspirational for all pupils at Greenbank High School.
They say that leaders have designed a well-thought-out and ambitious curriculum which supports pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to deepen their understanding of subjects over time and achieve well.
Leaders meanwhile have supported teachers well so that they gain an expert knowledge of their subjects.
Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around school. Low-level disruption is not tolerated by teachers and, if it does happen, teachers follow clear routines that are understood by all. Pupils told inspectors how much they value the support from their teachers.
Pupils receive an extensive programme of careers education. This helps pupils to make informed decisions about their future.
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