Penwortham Girls' High School
Preston, PR1 0SR · Lancashire · secondary school
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5th of 82 secondary schools in Lancashire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.5/10 against 814 of them, against 8.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 62.5 · 84 | 30% | 2.53 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.57 · 87 | 25% | 2.17 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.4 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Penwortham Girls' High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 52.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.57 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.4 out of 10 among them, against 8.0 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art, Debate, Geography, Film, Drama, and Cheerleading clubs. Sports include Dance, Netball, Cricket, Athletics, Badmington, Football, Table tennis, and Cross country. Music options cover Choir, Keyboard Club, Orchestra, and Woodwind/Brass/String groups, alongside a Festival of Performance and the Arts. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 799 pupils against a stated capacity of 800. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the curriculum support pupils aiming for Progress 8 scores above the national baseline? What specific
What Ofsted said about Penwortham Girls' High School
Overview
Penwortham Girls' High School is judged as 'Outstanding' across all inspection categories, maintaining the high standards established in its previous inspection. The report describes a 'welcoming and happy school community' where pupils develop 'strong and trusting relationships' with staff and peers. Leaders have 'successfully maintained the excellent quality of education' over a sustained period, ensuring pupils are 'exceptionally well prepared' for their future.
Strengths
- Pupils access a 'carefully designed and highly ambitious curriculum' that is 'seamlessly interwoven' with enriching experiences, resulting in attainment 'significantly above the national average'.
- Behaviour is described as 'exceptionally well', contributing to a 'calm learning environment' where pupils are 'extremely polite' and respect differences.
- The school’s programme for personal development is 'exemplary', with extensive opportunities for pupils to explore global issues, celebrate diversity, and develop 'empathy and responsibility'.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, with 'well-established and effective systems' to identify needs and adapt teaching.
- Reading is promoted effectively, ensuring pupils read with 'accuracy and fluency', which contributes to their success across the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 57.5 |
| 2024/25 | 52.9 |
| 2025/26 | 55.4 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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