Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Pupils are articulate and interested in their learning. The school provides pupils with a welcoming learning environment. Leaders think carefully about the needs of individuals. They make sure that all pupils learn a broad and ambitious curriculum. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Leaders have high expectations of behaviour. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibility and hold leadership positions in the school. The school is safe and well ordered, meaning that, typically, little learning time is lost. Teachers respond firmly and supportively when behaviour incidents occur, including bullying. Nevertheless, some pupils and families would like more reassurance that appropriate action is taken when they raise worries. Leaders are taking these views seriously. They are working constructively with pupils and parents and carers to increase their confidence in how effectively concerns are managed. Pupils are taught to respect all in the diverse school community. Staff think carefully about how to meet needs and keep pupils safe, both inside and outside the school. For example, at the end of the day, staff are on hand to help pupils to make their way home safely. Staff are knowledgeable and well trained. They are very proud of their pupils and continually work to provide wider enrichment opportunities for all, including careers guidance.

What the school should improve

• In some cases, teachers do not check pupils' understanding effectively and use this to make necessary adaptations to learning. This affects how well pupils are able to remember and apply key knowledge over time. Leaders need to continue their work to improve staff's expertise in checking pupils' learning and addressing misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.
• Some pupils see the school as strict rather than supportive and feel that sanctions are unfair. At times, this can lead to these pupils becoming disaffected with school. Leaders need to build on their current work to foster a positive learning environment, including ensuring that pupils understand how and why rewards and sanctions are applied.
• A minority of pupils are not confident that staff will help them if they raise concerns. This makes them reluctant to report these, for instance around bullying. Leaders need to continue their work to ensure that pupils feel confident about reporting concerns in the right way and to reassure them that such concerns are dealt with promptly and appropriately.

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