Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School in the London Borough of Barnet

Our most recent Ofsted inspection took place in November 2007 and identified the school as being at Grade 1 (Outstanding).

To go to the Ofsted website for the full report and previous reports click here.

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Some Extracts from the inspection report (21st November 2007):

Queen Elizabeth's Girls' is an outstanding school that is proud of its cultural diversity. Clearly articulated values underpin impressive rates of progress for its pupils and students in the sixth form. There is a high level of respect for people, their differences and the surroundings. A secure and happy environment has been established which enables pupils and students to feel valued and positive about their achievements. One pupil said, 'We achieve our motto - to be the best that you can be.'

Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and attendance is very good. They have excellent relationships with their teachers and other adults. The large majority mature into confident, polite and articulate young women. Their very positive attitudes and behaviour play a large part in the excellent progress they make.

Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. They understand well what a healthy lifestyle involves, for example, through the many opportunities they have to participate in sport. They are also very well prepared for their future lives. The pupils, students and their parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school and its work.

Achievement and standards are outstanding. Pupils join the school with levels of prior attainment that are broadly average. By the time they leave, they have reached standards that are well above average. Total points scores at GCSE were significantly above the national average in 2007. In the same year, 72% of the pupils gained five or more A*-C grades at GCSE. The corresponding rate including GCSE mathematics and English was 59%, which is 13% above the national average. Pupils in Years 7 to 9, make outstanding progress, especially in mathematics and science. In Years 10 and 11, pupils continue to make good progress. Pupils with learning difficulties make outstanding progress because they are very well supported and reach their challenging learning targets. Overall, pupils have progressed much more quickly than similar pupils in similar schools have for the past three years. In 2006, the rate of progress made by pupils in English was in the top 1% of secondary schools nationally.

Teaching and learning are outstanding. Pupils are motivated and they know how to learn. They have excellent relationships with their teachers. They enjoy their work, take an interest and participate fully in lessons. Lessons are well planned with activities that are appropriate and varied. Information learning technology is used well. Learning is well paced with tasks differentiated to meet the needs of individuals. Teachers have high expectations of the pupils, set them challenging targets and ask them well-chosen questions to help to deepen their understanding. Pupils' work is marked thoroughly with helpful comments about how they can improve their work.

Leadership and management are outstanding. Senior and middle leaders work effectively to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress. Equality and diversity are integral to the school community. Governors work effectively to support the work of the school and to act as 'critical friends'. The school's view of itself is broadly accurate, correctly identifying its particular strengths but, at the same time, honestly appraising areas where it can perform better. Lessons are observed routinely and the outcomes are accurate.

Effectiveness of the sixth form

Grade: 1 (Outstanding)

Students make outstanding progress compared to their prior attainment at GCSE during their time in the sixth form. Pass rates at AS and A level are high and most progress to university. The large majority complete and pass the courses they start. Teaching and learning are outstanding and students value the more mature approaches to learning that are used in their lessons. Students choose from a good range of AS and A level courses. Their options are enhanced by effective links with local further education colleges. There is also a one-year course for students who do not have the qualifications necessary to start A levels.

Students in the sixth form work hard to support younger pupils. They take on responsibilities throughout the school including organising enrichment activities for younger pupils, supporting teachers in lessons and, along with Year 11 girls, they facilitate the 'big sister' mentoring scheme. In short, they perform a crucial role in ensuring that the school community is safe and inclusive. The guidance and support they receive is outstanding. Students are grateful for the time that staff willingly provide to support their studies. Target grades are used effectively to monitor their progress and they are given excellent support to progress to university and employment. Leadership and management of the sixth form are outstanding.