Connaught School for Girls

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 February 2025

Pupils are welcomed as individuals in this small school community. They are safe here and appreciate the help that they receive from staff. Pupils are encouraged to look out for others within and beyond the school, for example, through fundraising activities and their annual 'conservation duty'. Pupils eagerly take on various roles of responsibility, such as prefects and peer mentors. They describe their mentoring work as 'having younger sisters that we look after'. Leaders have a clear vision for the success of the school. They want the very best for pupils and take effective steps to realise their expectations. The curriculum supports pupils to study a wide range of subjects and their achievement across these is generally strong. Pupils are ambitious for their education. In most instances, they behave well in lessons and produce work of high quality. Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils enjoy these new opportunities and many take part in a club, such as mindfulness, board games and archery. Pupils particularly appreciate the therapeutic and mentoring opportunities available, including the chance to walk Monty the school dog. An increasing range of educational visits enhances the taught curriculum, such as a recent history trip to Ypres.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, activities are not closely adapted to the needs of pupils, including those with SEND. As a result, some pupils do not get sufficient support and opportunity to deepen their knowledge over time. The school should ensure that lesson activities are closely matched to the needs of pupils.
• At times, the school does not routinely check what pupils understand or whether learning is secure. This means that gaps can emerge in some pupils' knowledge. The school should embed consistent practices to ensure that pupils' knowledge and understanding are checked before moving on to new learning.
• Some pupils who struggle with reading do not receive sufficient support to practise and develop their reading skills. As a result, a small number of pupils are held back from becoming accurate and fluent readers. The school should ensure that it implements its plans to deliver an effective reading support programme.

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