Portsmouth High School is delighted with its latest inspection report, published this week, which confirms that the school ‘successfully creates a community of learning committed to academic excellence, enabling girls to build on their strengths and develop their own voice’.

The report, following the ISI inspection in October 2009, which included an inspection of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), praised the ‘outstanding quality of pastoral care’, the ‘excellent relationships between staff and pupils’ and the ‘outstanding provision’ for the needs of the children in the EYFS which sets a firm foundation for future learning.

Inspectors noted that ‘pupils respond well to their teachers’ high expectations. They apply themselves to their work and enjoy it’. Very able pupils are challenged by ‘open-ended questioning and extension work’, and the report noted that ‘the culture of the school motivates pupils and allows their independent learning and thinking skills to develop’.

Staff at the school were especially pleased that the inspectors recognised that ‘a very strong sense of community pervades the school’ and that ‘each girl is appreciated as an individual’.

The report also highlighted the benefits of ‘effective investment in specialist teaching areas and sports facilities’, as well as the ‘excellent record of results in creative arts and numerous awards for drama and music’.

Headmistress Jenny Clough said: “I am delighted with the report: it is a ringing endorsement of how our staff and pupils work together to achieve excellence in all they do. The inspection team commended the girls on how well-mannered, helpful and articulate they are. It is encouraging to see that the vision we have as a school and the skills and competences we aim to develop are recognised. The report noted that our girls are proud of their school and, as Headmistress, I am equally proud of them and all our staff.”