Northampton School for Girls

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Pupils thrive at this warm, caring and inclusive school. The school's values, 'respect for self', 'respect for others' and 'respect for learning', are lived out by staff and pupils on a daily basis. Pupils develop a clear sense of identity and belonging, feeling connected to something purposeful and bigger than themselves. This contributes to a climate where pupils feel safe, supported and proud to be part of the school. The school champions girls to be fearless and brave and to strive for their ambitions. As a result, pupils develop the confidence, character and aspiration to achieve very well across the school. Pupils enjoy school and attend regularly. Relationships between pupils and staff are very positive. Approachable, knowledgeable teachers help create an environment where everyone can work hard and want to succeed. Pupils’ behaviour is excellent throughout the school day. Bullying is rare and dealt with quickly and effectively. Pupils are confident that staff listen to them and take appropriate action. Boys and girls flourish in the sixth form, enjoying being part of a tight-knit community where they receive individualised support. Students act as responsible and compassionate role models for younger pupils. For example, students run the 'Wellbeing Café' for pupils and provide tailored activities to guide and support good mental and emotional health. Students typically achieve well in the sixth form. The school provides an extensive and carefully planned range of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents, interests and sense of active citizenship. These opportunities are carefully mapped from Year 7 to Year 13. Outside the classroom, pupils thrive through an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. These include sports, drama, music and learning Latin, alongside a wide range of other opportunities, including those led by students. These experiences help them to develop confidence, leadership and resilience. Pupils’ knowledge beyond the classroom is expanded through trips abroad, such as to Barcelona, Liège and Ypres, museum visits and creative showcases, such as the recent musical performance of 'Annie'. Pupils and students in the sixth form learn to engage positively with their community and beyond.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to embed improvements in the sixth form so that students consistently achieve well.
• Leaders should continue to ensure that the school’s curriculum approach is deeply embedded across all areas so that exceptionally high standards are achieved and sustained over time, with practice remaining coherent, ambitious and securely implemented.
• Leaders should continue to embed a whole-school approach that cultivates a deep understanding of faiths and cultures, ensuring this is consistently modelled, taught and sustained to uphold exceptionally high standards of inclusion.

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