Skipton Girls' High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 September 2022

Skipton Girls' High School is a warm and welcoming place. Pupils are extremely polite, courteous and articulate. Staff's expectations of what pupils can achieve are high. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follow an ambitious curriculum and achieve well across a range of subjects. How teachers choose to implement the curriculum is more effective in some subjects than others. Pupils feel safe in school and attend very well. They feel that they have a trusted adult who they can speak to. Pupils' behaviour is exceptional. Teachers cultivate a kind and respectful environment. This helps pupils to learn effectively. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated by pupils or staff. The positive atmosphere in the school is tangible. Pupils' academic experiences are complemented by an extensive extra-curricular programme. Pupils can participate in sports, art, engineering, outdoor pursuits and many other clubs and societies. Pupils in the sixth form develop their leadership skills by taking an active role in leading clubs, school 'gatherings' or working with younger pupils through the vertical tutoring system.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers do not implement the curriculum to deepen pupils understanding beyond the content required for exams. This means that some pupils have a superficial understanding of key knowledge. Leaders need to ensure teaching focuses on pupils developing a deep body of knowledge in each subject rather than just covering the curriculum.
• Although the school's safeguarding culture is effective, the recording and sharing of safeguarding information are inefficient. This means that information on vulnerable pupils is not shared as effectively as it could be among staff. Leaders need to ensure that information is recorded in a timely manner and is more accessible to staff.
• The delivery of the PSHE curriculum is variable and students in the sixth form do not learn enough about employment pathways, such as apprenticeships. As such, pupils are less well prepared for life after school than they should be. Leaders need to carefully plan and monitor PSHE and careers education more closely to ensure that it meets the needs of all pupils, including those in the sixth form.

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