Menorah High School for Girls has been rated good in its first inspection since gaining state-aid three years ago, earning outstanding grades in three out of five categories.
The Charedi girls’ school provided a broad, high-quality education, with a “productive balance of coverage of the secular curriculum and Jewish studies”, Ofsted said.
Menorah High was the sixth highest state school in England, measured by pupils’ progress from entry to GCSE last summer.
Its 299 girls received outstanding tuition from teachers, who were dedicated to “ensuring that pupils fulfil their potential”, as well as a high level of pastoral support. Confident, articulate and polite, they were well prepared for the next stage of their education and for "life in modern Britain".
Attainment in English, maths and English Baccalaureate subjects was “significantly well above average,” Ofsted said. The EBacc result was “mainly due to most pupils completing the modern Hebrew GCSE, as well as the increasing proportions studying French”.
The school’s leadership prioritised “appreciation and respect for all, encouraging a broad outlook beyond the school and their community”.
Pupils valued their work in the community, supporting pupils with special educational needs in a local school and visiting older people, inspectors noted
They “enjoy meeting their peers from other schools and when carrying out work for charities”. However, Ofsted reported, pupils would benefit from greater opportunity “to interact with those from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds”.
Girls received career guidance throughout the school and special events promoted health and fitness, Ofsted reported. But they told inspectors they would like to have more varied options, including in creative arts such as music.
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