Penwortham Girls’ High School enjoys a unique status, as the only non-selective, non-fee-paying girls’ school in Lancashire. We welcome girls of all abilities, interests and aptitudes, and pride ourselves on our long-standing reputation for academic success. From our grammar school origins to our present status as a high-performing comprehensive, we have remained true to a fundamental belief: only a caring school can provide a supportive environment for girls to flourish. We aim to foster a love of learning and we strive to unlock the potential in every child. We want our students to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom, to develop their talents for the future. Fulfilling every girl’s potential is our common purpose, uniting staff and students in a shared endeavour, informed by an enduring vision. Our traditional values meet with modern innovative approaches to learning. We are a forward-thinking school that has invested in innovative technology, ensuring that when they leave us our students are fully equipped for the future. However, equally important are the qualities we instil in the girls. We have developed an environment that supports them as individuals, enabling them to progress to the next stage of their life equipped with a sense of achievement, maturity, and self-confidence. We also want our students to leave us with wonderful memories. Our extensive range of additional opportunities, both within and outside the classroom, allows girls to develop their individual characters and talents and to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. A real strength of Penwortham Girls’ is that we do not merely measure our success in examination results or participation in enrichment activities. We say it is not merely what you learn that matters but the person you become as result of that learning. We may be a forwardthinking school, yet the aims and values we seek to impart and the expectations we have of our students will never change. As every Headteacher will tell you, a prospectus can give only a brief glimpse of school life and that you cannot fully appreciate a school until you visit it during a normal day. When I walk around Penwortham Girls’, what impresses me most is the atmosphere both around school and within lessons. Here students are friendly, confident, happy, and secure. Everyone who takes a tour of our school comments on this and how calm it is! For this reason, I would urge you to visit us during a working day to experience first-hand, the ethos of our school. I am immensely proud to be the Headteacher of a school with a proud past and such a promising future. I look forward to welcoming you. “Senior leaders and governors, led by the headteacher, have established a culture of ambition and high expectations, along with a desire for continuous improvement.” (Ofsted) Headteacher’s Welcome 2 Mrs Karen Pomeroy
Articulate Our girls are encouraged to read, write, speak and listen with confidence and clarity, using an ever-widening vocabulary. We strive to develop girls’ capacity for creativity and expression through the Arts and extra-curricular activities. Student voice has power and is valued. We believe all students should have a confident voice in the school and that it is listened to, respected and acted upon. Questioning We aim to foster a love of learning for its own sake. Throughout the school we have created a learning environment where curiosity, confidence and a willingness to take on new challenges are actively encouraged. Through inspiring teaching, we develop critical thinkers who can see beyond the headlines and make informed judgements. Tolerant All girls are treated with courtesy and respect. Our staff work hard to engender kindness and sensitivity, alongside respectful and tolerant attitudes towards others, both in school and in the wider community. Difference and diversity are celebrated here; our girls are routinely required to work and learn collaboratively. Independent women for the future We develop young women who are confident in their ability to learn, with the resilience and positive outlook that enables them to adapt their learning to new situations in the future. We create independent thinkers, unafraid to express their point of view and we develop leadership skills so that they students make their voices heard. “Teachers have very high expectations of all students, and this has produced a culture geared towards success and excellence in achievement throughout the school.” (Ofsted) Our Mission is: To prepare articulate, questioning, tolerant and independent women for the future. 3 “I am genuinely grateful that my daughter goes to a school that creates this warmth and confidence for its students.” (Parent) “The headteacher, senior leaders, managers and governors provide outstanding leadership.” (Ofsted)
At Penwortham Girls’ we have six core values which underpin our mission statement and embody the qualities we expect to see in our students. We are committed to actively implementing, promoting and modelling these values in all aspects of school life, both inside and outside the classroom. This commitment extends to every member of our school community. Critically, our values are routinely celebrated and are central to our school’s rewards system. “It is the teachers that make PGHS the success it is, and I hope that you are all so proud of the work you do.” (Parent) Core Values 4 Since 1954 “Confidence is something I have always struggled with, yet all teachers constantly reassured me and encouraged me to work to the best of my ability. PGHS has not only helped me learn academically but has helped me learn things about myself and I will forever be grateful for experiences there.” (Former student)
“...the ethos of a school is the expression of the collective character of everyone” A Framework for Character Education in Schools 5 “At this school, there is an expectation that we are caring and compassionate and so that’s how we live.” (PGHS student) Since 1954 To prepare articulate, questioning, tolerant and independent young women for the future Compassion Being kind, caring, friendly and supportive of everyone in the community. Dignity Acting with respect for oneself and others. Curiosity Having the desire to know more and develop a life-long love of learning. Ambition Aiming high and striving to fulfil our academic and creative potential. Social Responsibility Making a positive contribution to our school and our local, national and international community. Resilience Determined and hard working to overcome challenges.
Ensuring outstanding teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do. Our teachers are subject specialists with the ambition for every student to fulfil their potential. Students are taught to learn for themselves; to develop confidence and curiosity. Every classroom has an ‘open door’ policy. Students, staff and the Senior Leadership Team work in collaboration in an environment where resilience and a willingness to take on new challenges are actively encouraged. As a school we have a proud tradition of being forward thinking. We reflect on technologies that make the difference and invest strategically in facilities and technologies that will have optimum impact. Our focus on collaboration and oracy develops our students’ ability to present themselves in a considered, sensitive and articulate fashion. This is vital for students’ futures in both professional and social situations. Reading is promoted as an essential skill – both reading for pleasure and to actively engage with more complex texts. Looking ahead to the future, we continue to be forward thinking in our approach but our commitment to providing outstanding learning experiences is unwavering. “When my daughter started PGHS she was so lost and needed a lot of reassurance. I wish I could have looked into the future. Now we see who she has become. She knows her mind and what she wants, and we are so proud.” (Parent) A place to learn 6 “My daughter has had a fantastic education and experience at PGHS, and nothing can take that away from her.” (Parent)
We all learn best when we are happy and secure and our outstanding pastoral care ensures our girls develop dignity and resilience. We are a small school and this has real advantages. Our students are known as individuals and the care and guidance that we provide ensures that girls’ aspirations are realised; that their hopes and dreams are encouraged. Along with the teachers, your daughter will be supported by a pastoral team who will work closely together to ensure her welfare. Your daughter’s Form Tutor and Head of Year will play a significant role in monitoring her wellbeing, personal development and academic progress throughout her time with us. In addition, we have a Pastoral Support Worker, who is readily available to support your daughter at any point throughout the day. Based in the ‘Haven’, this area of the school provides a place for respite and one-to-one academic support whenever it is required. In addition, we have a Family Support Worker, two professional Counsellors and a large and growing team of trained Mental Health First Aiders. We have very high expectations regarding behaviour. Our teachers nurture a thirst for learning and encourage them to think for themselves. We train them to speak and listen, both to their teachers and each other. We also develop their capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. Most importantly, through the example they set, our staff work hard to foster kind, respectful and tolerant attitudes towards others, both inside and outside the classroom. “Students are extremely considerate of others, courteous, have excellent relationships with each other as well as adults and are very happy at school.” (Ofsted) A place to belong 7 “The curriculum is well designed to meet the needs of students in developing their basic skills and making the best of their individual talents. It provides excellent opportunities for academic education and personal development.” (Ofsted) “I don’t even know where to start expressing my gratitude towards the school. I didn’t go to PGHS as an A* student, but I left as one, because every single teacher helped me exceed both my target grades and my own expectations at GCSE. I’m a more confident and self-assured person because of my time at PGHS.” (Former student)
Alongside superb teaching in the traditional core academic subjects we promote and provide outstanding provision in every area with a rich, varied and ambitious curriculum. The subjects our girls study, including courses like Art and Design, Dance, Drama and Photography, alongside vocational qualifications like BTEC Creative Media Production, means that they are fully prepared for the future, providing them with both the knowledge and skills required in adulthood. The starting point for designing our curriculum is always the individual needs of our students. Consequently, to complement our in-school curriculum offer, we work closely with a range of local education providers. We also work closely with our partner colleges and local employers to see that every one of our students secures either a college placement, apprenticeship or training. Many of our alumni maintain strong links with our school, providing advice, guidance and inspiration to our girls. We want your daughter to flourish during her time at our school, but we also want her to continue developing in later life. Our curriculum will enable this to happen. “I started PGHS as a timid and academically shy student. I left with skills enabling me to shine and excel at college, not only academically but socially. I cannot recommend this outstanding school enough!” (Former student) A place to discover 8 “Parents, students and staff have very positive views about the standard of behaviour in the school.” (Ofsted)
We offer an impressive range of enrichment activities designed to: • develop new talents, teamwork and leadership skills • engage students in fun and challenging opportunities outside the classroom • allow students to explore a variety of careers and future opportunities We extend learning beyond the classroom through a wide variety of activities, including: • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme • Literature and Language Festival • Festival of Performance and the Arts • STEM Festival • Educational visits We also offer an impressive range of extracurricular activities, which can include the following: • Art Club • Debate club • Orchestra • Woodwind/Brass/String groups • Geography club • Film Club • Drama Club • Cheerleading Club • Choir • STEM Club • Cooking Club • History Club • Science Club • RS Reading society • Soroptimisses • Computing Club • Keyboard Club • Music Studio Time • Spelling Bee Club • Translation Club • Film club – French and German • Philosophy Club We have a strong sporting ethos, with an enviable reputation for success. We provide a wide range of sporting activities, including: • Dance • Netball • Cricket • Athletics • Badminton • Football • Table tennis • Cross country • Rounders • Gymnastics • Handball • Tag Rugby “There are many additional opportunities for students to develop further their interests and skills, so students enjoy a very wide range of experiences.” (Ofsted) A place to expand horizons 9
We want our girls to be independent women in the future. We believe all students should have a confident voice in the school that is listened to, respected and acted upon. Equally, we believe in developing leadership skills and providing opportunities for this. Our Student Leadership team is led each year by our Head and Deputy Head girl. Each of the eight students on the team, including the Head and Deputy Head girl, is responsible for championing one of our eight action groups: Charities, Creative Minds Council, Environment, Happy Minds Council, Participation, Respect Council, Revision for All and Teaching & Learning. Each action group comprises of elected members from each year group. In addition to the Student Council, there are a range of roles and responsibilities to ensure there are a variety of opportunities for girls to explore their potential. These include: • Librarians • Learning Mentors • Prefects • Sports and Dance Leaders • Peer Counsellors • Form and Vice Form Captains Additional opportunities to develop leadership skills are provided during whole school events such as Anti-Bullying week, The Tenner Challenge, International Women’s Day and FairTrade events. “School leaders value highly the views of parents and students. They canvass opinions throughout the year and these influence decisions on how to improve the school.” (Ofsted) A place to lead…and a place to be heard 10 “A really big thank you to all the teachers at Penwortham Girls’ for making my daughter’s experience there so positive.” (Parent)
We know how important it is to give our new students a smooth, positive transition to secondary school life. Through a wide-ranging programme, we seek to ensure the most effective, happy and successful transfer to high school for both students and parents. What can you expect from us? • A letter of welcome from the Headteacher. • A visit to every student in Year 6 from our Transition Manager who will put your daughter at ease and collect vital pastoral and academic information from her current school. • A friendly, welcoming letter from a Year 7 ‘buddy’ who will provide lots of help and support in the Autumn Term. • MOTHS (Moving on to High School): For girls who require additional support in the transition process. • Sampling Day in June where students spend a day with their new tutors and class mates. • Early intervention and support from the Learning Support Department, where necessary. • New Entrants’ Evening in July, giving parents and students the opportunity to meet with tutors and each other. • ‘Headstart Sessions’ in the summer to prepare students for their first day at secondary school. • A team of Peer Counsellors committed to supporting each tutor group. • Transition Evening in the Autumn Term, which provides a formal opportunity for parents to discuss how their daughter is settling in. “Students with special educational needs are extremely well cared for and receive highly effective support for their academic and personal development.” (Ofsted) A place to grow 11 “Students feel very safe and cared for in an exceptionally supportive environment.” (Ofsted) “The most able are constantly challenged and higher order of work is expected of them.” (Ofsted)
All students have the right to fulfil their potential and we aim to help them do it, regardless of ability. We have a long-standing record of outstanding achievement. GCSE results are always well above the national average, as is the proportion of students attaining top grades. Regardless of their starting point, our girls make exceptional progress over their five years with us and we are consistently ranked amongst the top performing schools in Lancashire. All students have challenging targets for every subject and their individual progress is monitored regularly through our robust tracking systems. Underachievement is quickly identified, with strategies put in place to tackle it. Crucially, whilst we reward girls’ academic achievements, we also recognise and celebrate success in the widest sense, instilling a belief that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. To this end, alongside our usual rewards system, we also: • Invite nominated students to a weekly Head’s Breakfast, where girls can discuss their achievements with the headteacher and other girls. • Award a Headteacher’s Commendation for exceptional work which is then displayed in the school foyer. • Promote the ‘Passport to Success’; an awards system based on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme that recognises a wide range of achievements, including working with the local community and fundraising. • Promote the School Values through the annual awarding of School Values awards “School SENCO is phenomenal. Support and guidance for myself and my daughter has made a massive difference.” (Parent) A place to succeed 12 “The school reaches out very well to its local community.” (Ofsted) “A truly super team of teachers and staff! Thank you!” (Parent)
We recognise the importance of making and maintaining strong home-school links and always endeavour to work closely with home. A strong partnership with parents and carers is vital to the success of our school. The following list is what you can expect from us: Supporting your daughter’s progress • A dedicated Parents’ Evening for each year group • At least two Progress Reports per year and one Full Report • Year 7 Parents Handbook • Mentoring programme at KS4 In addition: • New Entrants Evening for Year 6 parents • Transition Evening for Year 7 • Futures Evening for Year 9 • Apprenticeship Evening for Year 9 • Curriculum Evening for Year 10 Celebrating Success Invitations to a number of events throughout the year, including: • Awards Evening for Year 11 • Biennial musical production • Sports Celebration Evening • South Ribble Schools Art Exhibition • Celebration of Christmas • Arts Celebration Evening Keeping you informed • Parentmail, enabling you to receive messages from school via email and text • Weekly and termly newsletters • Regular contact from staff via postcards, emails and letters • A named contact for every student • Access to staff via phone and email. • Comprehensive information for parents and students is available on the website • Twitter An opportunity for consultation: • Completion of a biennial parental questionnaire • Parent Council • Completion of a survey at Parents Evening. “Penwortham Girls’ made my 5 years at high school the best they could be!” (Former student) A place for partnership 13
Professor Dame Sue Ion In 2022 Dame Sue received the prestigious Dame Grand Cross award in the Platinum Jubilee Honours. Dame Sue Ion was a member of the UK Council for Science and Technology from 2004-2011. She was a member of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council from 19942001, a member of Council for EPSRC between 2005 and 2010 and Chaired the Fusion Advisory Board for the Research Councils between 2006 and 2012. Sue’s background is in materials science/ metallurgy. She gained first-class honours from Imperial College in 1976 and a PhD in 1979 before joining BNFL where she was Group Director of Technology 1992-2006. She was appointed Visiting Professor at Imperial College in 2006 and of London South Bank University in 2011 and has been a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Manchester from 2004 -2018 and Deputy Chair of the Board 2015-2018 . She has held an Honorary Professorship at the University of Central Lancashire since the beginning of 2007 and now serves on the Board of Governors. Karen Pierce Karen Pierce has recently become the first woman to be appointed to the prestigious post of Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations. Appointed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1981, her career since then has taken her all over the world and amongst a wide range of important posts she has been President of the UN Security Council as well as the UK’s Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Kirsty Henshaw “After leaving PGHS with 10 GCSEs, some amazing memories and a whole lot of confidence, I decided further education wasn’t ideally suited to me. I spent time travelling and working hard. I now own an international company within the food and health industry which is where my true passion lies. I am also fortunate enough to have been successful on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and have two pretty high-profile dragons as shareholders. I have an awful lot of hopes and dreams for the future, and I intend to make them a reality one step at a time.” Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell Dame of the British Empire, President and Vice Chair at the University of Manchester. Dame Nancy Rothwell has conducted intensive research into brain disorders and has served as President of the British Neuroscience Association. Dame Nancy is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology and the Greater Manchester local Enterprise Partnership. Louisa Stirland Louisa Stirland left Penwortham Girls’ High School in 2013 with a very impressive set of GCSE results, having already won the title of BBC Young Chorister of the Year in 2012. Louisa has since embarked upon a 4-year BMus vocal course at the Royal Academy of Music and she regularly performs with some of the best choirs and conductors in the world. Louisa can now boast several very prestigious awards and has recently begun a recording career. Jessica Turner Jessica Turner left Penwortham Girls’ High School in 2018 with an excellent set of GCSE results. Since leaving PGHS Jessica went on to study BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at Runshaw College. She then decided she wanted to be an apprentice within a company and secured a placed with Cadent Gas on their ETP scheme (Engineer Training Programme). Cadent own, operate, maintain, repair and develop the gas distribution pipe network in the majority of England. It is the UK’s largest gas distribution company, owning 4 of the 8 networks. Jessica will be part of this training programme for 2 years and is excited about her future in engineering. A place with a proud past 14 No matter where the next steps of their journey take them, our students are proud to say that they belonged – and still belong – to Penwortham Girls’. There have been many and varied successes of former students, over the years, and we have a very impressive alumnae of whom we are immensely proud. The following are just a few of our alumnae, but you can read about many more on our website and Alumnae Wall at school. We regularly invite our alumnae back into school as inspirational role models for our girls.
As a single sex school, we offer something unique for your daughter at Penwortham Girls’ High School. The benefits of singlesex education are well-researched and documented, including the development of confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Girls can focus on their education without the distraction of boys and can be who they are and what they want to be without pressure to conform. Consequently, our girls are renowned for being more assertive and eager to articulate their views. At our school, a girl occupies every role and has a wealth of opportunities for self-exploration and character development, with a school full of positive role models to support her. Penwortham Girls excel in all subjects, not just those traditionally associated with girls: our top mathematicians and scientists are girls, as well as our top historians and linguists. We recognise that every girl is different, however with our dedicated support and guidance, she will strive to be the very best she can be. “Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is outstanding, and is a major factor in students feeling well prepared for their next phase in education and for life in modern Britain.” (Ofsted) “Teaching develops students’ selfconfidence in their ability to learn.” (Ofsted) A place for girls to thrive 15
Created by www.concept4.com (ref J15613-09/2022) Cop Lane Penwortham Preston PR1 0SR Telephone: 01772 743399 Fax: 01772 752475 Email: enquiries@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk 10 good reasons… • smooth and welcoming transition to high school • high quality learning and teaching – by subject specialists • outstanding behaviour and pastoral care • exciting, broad and ambitious curriculum • wide range of enrichment activities accessible to all • wealth of opportunity for leadership and responsibility • strong partnership with parents and the community • long-standing record of academic achievement • experts in girls’ education • outstanding reputation within Lancashire and beyond. A place to join “Students show consistently excellent attitudes to learning which create in them a strong desire to achieve outstandingly well and do their very best.” (Ofsted) “A huge thank you to all the dedicated and compassionate team at PGHS who go above and beyond any standard expectation, often giving up their own time to support the girls.” (Parent)
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