The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 November 2024

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, feel genuinely cared for in this friendly, welcoming school. Pupils feel happy and safe. They know that trusted adults will act swiftly to help them if they have any worries. Pupils are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities available to develop their character and expand their horizons. They are rightly proud of the distinctive history and ethos of the school with its focus on female empowerment. Staff have very high expectations. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported. Pupils feel a real sense of belonging in the school. Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and self-belief. Most pupils achieve well in a range of subjects and are well prepared for the next stage of their education, employment or training. The 'K-RACERS' values (knowledgeable, resilient, articulate, creative, empathetic, reflective and studious) underpin the school's work in developing pupils' character. Pupils strive to live up to the school's values because these are meaningful to them. They show high levels of respect for staff and for each other. Pupils readily take on positions of responsibility, for example, when they volunteer to take care of animals in the school farm or assist with the school railway.

What the school should improve

• There are some inconsistencies in a small number of subjects in the way that assessment is used to check what pupils understand. This leads to gaps in pupils' knowledge in these subjects because misconceptions are not always consistently identified and addressed. The school should ensure that pupils' knowledge and understanding is routinely checked before new content is introduced.

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