We were delighted to welcome a team of Ofsted inspectors into school in November for a full 2 day inspection. The inspectors met with many students, members of staff, Governors and representatives of the Local Authority before deciding that Holly Lodge could now be judges as Good in all areas. To celebrate this excellent achievement, the Local Authority released the following statement;
Holly Lodge’s hard work bears fruit
Holly Lodge Girls’ College, on Mill Lane, was rated overall as “requires improvement” by Ofsted at its last inspection in May 2017, but now inspectors have rated the school “good” in all areas.
Improved attainment in exams and high attendance levels and punctuality were both singled out. The improved and developed curriculum, which allows pupils to build on previous knowledge as well as revisiting their prior learning, was also praised.
The report notes: “Pupils enjoy coming to Holly Lodge. They feel safe and well cared for. Pupils value the support they receive from their teachers.” The report continues: “Teachers have high expectations of pupils. They help pupils to aim high by using examples of successful women in history.”
Holly Lodge, which is non-selective on academic and religious grounds, also encourages pupils to get involved in activities outside of the classroom, with personal development high on the agenda, with an emphasis on activities which foster the natural aspirations and ambitions of the students. These include networking and mentoring with professional women, strong careers advice and successfully obtaining public school bursaries for students to board in 6th Form.
Reaction
Head teacher Andy Keen said: “This is great news for Holly Lodge and I’m very pleased for the teachers, pupils and parents who have made this achievement possible. It’s important to remember, though, that the improvements we have made were not made for Ofsted, we did it for the girls.
“We’re confident the changes we have made have been done properly so that they’re sustainable and we will keep reaping the benefits. We have ensured that the students are supported and we have also made sure that we’ve developed and valued our excellent, hardworking staff.
“Holly Lodge is one of the best-kept secrets in Liverpool and our next big challenge is getting people to understand how good we are.”
Cabinet member for education, employment and skill Cllr Barbara Murray said: “I am delighted that the hard work of teachers and pupils at Holly Lodge has been recognised by Ofsted.
“Inspectors fully acknowledged that Andrew and his team grasped the previous inspection as an opportunity to begin a programme of improvements that is already having a noted effect across the school. Pupils have risen to the challenges that the school is now setting them.
“Holly Lodge has already travelled a long way on this journey and I am very confident that it will continue.”
The full report can be viewed on our website here or by searching on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk.