Ages 
Achieves impressive results for its genuinely diverse intake of bright local girls. The high expectations are balanced with top support and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, meaning these girls leave with resilience and emotional intelligence as well as stellar grades.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,043 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 278 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Lancashire County Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mr Chris Beard
Since March 2023, Chris Beard BSc (medical studies, Newcastle) PGCE (Edge Hill), the first male head in the school’s history and his first post at a single sex school. Previously principal at the Co-op Academy, Manchester for two years and before
Entrance
Into year 7, most in twos and threes from some 70 state primaries. Five form entry, with two to three applicants for each of the 145 places. Papers in English and maths (no VR or NVR). Priority to looked after children and pupil premium, then
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- June
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
About 20 per cent tempted away after GCSEs – mostly to sixth form colleges or the co-ed sixth form of the local boys’ grammar. Vast majority of sixth formers to university, with Lancaster, Newcastle and Leeds particularly popular. Three to Oxbridge
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 68 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (71 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Everyone sits 10 GCSEs including separate sciences and at least one humanity and one MFL. Good grounding for the latter, with all pupils studying French, Spanish and German in year 7, then choosing two for years 8 and 9. German survives both at GCSE
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Seven per cent of pupils on the SEN register, with school ‘very good at spotting masking and putting strategies in place’, according to one mother. No waiting for a formal diagnosis (a relief, given local waiting times of up to three years). School
Arts & extracurricular
Around a fifth of pupils learn a musical instrument – everything from harp to trombone, with London College of Music ensemble exams a new enrichment option for sixth formers. School celebrates the most accomplished musicians with a hotly contested
Sport
All schools say they have a ‘sport for all’ ethos – this one really does. Pupils are rewarded with a point each time they attend a sports club or fixture – get enough points and you’re awarded a bronze, silver or gold badge. And they listen to
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1907, the school moved to its current location in 1913. No swish surroundings to speak of and it can get cramped – especially at lunchtimes when folding tables in the assembly hall struggle to take the overspill from the dining room. But
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents say the school is ‘unpressurised’ and ‘supportive’. One said the care her struggling year 7 daughter got was 'brilliant, absolutely brilliant' – spending time with her each morning, finding her a mentor who could share her own experiences and
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review We understand that the students may wish to carry a mobile phone with them, especially if they are travelling by public transport to and from school. However, we do not permit use of mobile phones at any time during the school day or in the school buildings. That includes breaks and lunchtimes. Mobile phones should be switched off and alarms etc disabled. If a student is found using a phone during the school day, they will automatically be given a detention.
Pupils & parents
The girls are ambitious and focussed but they know how to have fun too – there’s a real buzz to the place and lots of laughter at break times. They like the all-girl environment, feeling they can 'really go for it' in every aspect of school life.
Money matters
Six per cent of pupils are eligible for pupil premium and get help with costs for uniform, curriculum trips, music lessons and DofE enrolment etc.
The last word
Achieves impressive results for its genuinely diverse intake of bright local girls. The high expectations are balanced with top support and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, meaning these girls leave with resilience and emotional intelligence as
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
