Central Foundation Girls' School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to school, meeting their friends and making the most of their learning. Pupils study a broad range of subjects that develop both their academic and creative knowledge and skills. At post 16, students are able to choose between a wide range of academic and vocational courses. Teachers are specialists in their subjects, and pupils develop their knowledge and skills well as they progress through the school. As a result, pupils achieve very well, particularly by the end of Year 11. This prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education, training or employment. The school is a welcoming and inclusive environment to all pupils. Leaders and staff quickly identify any potential barriers to pupils' learning. The school puts support in place quickly so that pupils can make the most of the learning opportunities on offer in the school. Pupils get along well with one another, and they have positive relationships with staff. Pupils learn how to be respectful to everyone and take responsibility for their own behaviour. They are keen to learn, and lessons are rarely disrupted by poor behaviour. In those rare moments when staff need to intervene, it is done calmly and respectfully, further enhancing the culture of mutual respect. Pupils feel safe in school and know who to speak to if they have any concerns. While bullying is not common, pupils know who to speak to if it occurs and they trust that it will be resolved. Pupils attend school well. They know they need to be in school to take advantage of the wide range of activities on offer to them. For example, pupils participate in a range of sporting, creative and academic clubs and societies before, during and after school. Pupils are keen to volunteer at school events, including working with staff at the summer school. Each year group also selects a charitable cause and fundraises for this during the year.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that its strategy for checking pupils' understanding of new knowledge is embedded consistently across all subjects and key stages in the school.
• Leaders should implement and monitor the remainder of their post 16 strategy so that achievement is consistent across all subjects.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)