The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 52.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024
- This is a girls-only school
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
52.9
9.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
55%
12.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
70%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
90%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 154 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 63 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Girls
Numbers
- Pupils
- 800
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 16.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- Head
- Mrs Sharon Hall (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
November 2014 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
May 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
October 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Curriculum and development visit
September 2008 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
January 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
Cop Lane, Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 0SR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmCop Lane Church of England Primary School, Penwortham
Primary · 594m away
Penwortham Primary School
Primary · 792m away
Penwortham Priory Academy
Secondary · 965m away
Whitefield Primary School
Primary · 988m away
Penwortham Middleforth Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Stephen's CofE School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
The Willows
Independent · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Penwortham Girls' High School a selective school?
No. Penwortham Girls' High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Penwortham Girls' High School's Ofsted rating?
Penwortham Girls' High School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in May 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Penwortham Girls' High School?
Penwortham Girls' High School currently has 800 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Penwortham Girls' High School take?
Penwortham Girls' High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Penwortham Girls' High School?
Penwortham Girls' High School is in Preston, PR1 0SR, in the Lancashire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Penwortham Girls' High School have a sixth form?
No, Penwortham Girls' High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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