Chislehurst School for Girls

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

This is a vibrant, supportive and inclusive school. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are rightly proud of their contributions to school life. This is because leaders value their ideas and experiences. Pupils respect each other and behave well. When bullying occurs, leaders act quickly to stop it. Pupils' cultural awareness is well supported through the ambitious curriculum. For example, pupils learn about the music of the Caribbean as well as the Baroque period. Similarly, in English, pupils compare classical literature with contemporary writing inspired by myths and legends. Pupils produce work of good quality in a range of subjects because teachers expect this of them. Pupils have regular opportunities to develop their own leadership, including in the sixth form. For example, they can participate in the student leadership team, school council and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme. Student leaders are strong role models for younger pupils, and have organised a range of school events, initiatives and extra- curricular activities. They present in whole-school assemblies on important topics such as the life of Martin Luther King and the role of women in science.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the curriculum does not identify the knowledge and skills that pupils should learn throughout key stage 3. As a result, teachers do not focus sufficiently on ensuring that pupils develop a deep understanding of important concepts in these subjects. Leaders should continue to develop the curriculum so that key knowledge is clearly identified and carefully sequenced. This will support pupils to learn and remember more in these areas.

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