ISI Inspection 2025

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has given Withington Girls’ School a resounding stamp of approval in an overwhelmingly positive report. The report shows that all of the Independent School Standards are ‘Met’ and reflects the outstanding experience Withington pupils receive in all areas of school life.

“Leaders provide a warm, caring and supportive environment. The school has a clear sense of community.”

ISI Report 2025

Withington was inspected under ISI’s new framework at the start of February. During their three days in our Junior and Senior Schools, the inspectors analysed survey responses; examined the school’s curriculum, an extensive range of documentation and samples of pupils’ work; observed many lessons and extra-curricular activities; attended form meetings and assemblies; and interviewed pupils, staff and governors.

“Staff have in-depth knowledge of pupils’ academic and pastoral needs, enabling them to plan for individual support. They manage behaviour effectively and motivate pupils to show interest in their learning. Pupils are therefore willing to apply intellectual effort and demonstrate high degrees of self-motivation.”

ISI Report 2025

Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Haslam, said: “The report confirms the very special qualities of our school, the education provided, and the way in which our pupils engage with their learning and develop as people, inspired and supported by their exceptional teachers.”

“A broad and enriching curriculum enables pupils to develop self-esteem, moral values, spiritual knowledge and an understanding and respect for one another.”

ISI Report 2025

Mrs Haslam added: “It also highlights the depth and breadth of our educational provision and the exceptional experience our pupils receive across academic, pastoral, extra-curricular and much more, supporting their outstanding development as learners and as people.”

“Co-curricular activities are many and diverse. Pupils have the opportunity to experience a variety of physical, creative, fun and thought-provoking activities, enabling them to develop their talents and explore their interests.”

ISI Report 2025

“We are also very proud that the inspectors have identified in our school what ISI call a ‘significant strength’ – an accolade which few schools receive,” Mrs Haslam explained, “The inspectors recognised the way in which the school promotes mutual respect and understanding amongst pupils. This is a key part of the culture we aim to nurture at Withington and something that we see lived every day in school in the quality of relationships between pupils and between pupils and staff.”

“Pupils’ sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of others are reflected in their voluntary work and community and fund-raising activities where they participate in local, national and international projects.”

ISI Report 2025

“Pupils take ownership of their contributions to school life and wider society.”

ISI Report 2025

“Pupils feel safe and supported.”

ISI Report 2025

“The success of this inspection was very firmly rooted in the excellent work we see here every day. At Withington, our pupils are known and understood as individuals and in our supportive and inspiring school environment, they are nurtured and encouraged to be their very best,” says Mrs Haslam.

“My heartfelt thanks go to our inspirational staff whose dedication is reflected across this report, to our parents and guardians for all their support and for working in partnership with us, and to our outstanding pupils whose enthusiasm for learning and kindness and respect for themselves and for each other embody the ethos of Withington and make it such a joyful place to learn and grow.”