Manchester Senior Girls School

Overview

The inspection found that the school holds "high ambitions" for pupils, who work hard and are "well prepared for their next stage of education." However, the report states the school "does not meet the independent school standards" due to failures in teaching statutory content regarding protected characteristics and relationships and sex education (RSE).

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious" and effectively addresses pupils’ knowledge gaps, with "effective systems" supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Behaviour is "positive," with pupils described as "well mannered and considerate" who feel safe in a school promoting "unity, care and ambition."
• Staff workload and well-being are supported, and the school engages "positively with parents and carers."
• Pupils benefit from a "wide range of books" and extracurricular opportunities, including educational visits and leadership roles.

Areas to improve

• The proprietor must ensure pupils gain "age-appropriate knowledge and understanding of protected characteristics," specifically sexual orientation and gender reassignment, as currently taught.
• The school must provide a "suitable RSE programme that meets the statutory requirements" so pupils have the information needed for safe, informed choices.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."