“Pupils thrive”: Ofsted praises warmth, ambition and belonging at Northampton School for Girls

Northampton School for Girls has been praised by Ofsted as a school where pupils “thrive”, following an inspection that recognised the school’s impressive culture, strong academic achievements and deeply embedded sense of belonging.

The report, published this week, describes NSG as a “warm, caring and inclusive school” where pupils are encouraged to be “fearless and brave and to strive for their ambitions”.

Inspectors found that leaders are “highly ambitious for the students in their care” and have created “a culture of high expectations for behaviour and conduct in which pupils flourish.”

The inspection recognised strong standards across achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing, with post-16 provision also meeting the expected standard. Safeguarding standards were confirmed to be fully met, with inspectors praising the strong culture of care and support that exists throughout the school.

The report paints a compelling picture of daily life at NSG. Inspectors found that pupils feel “safe, valued and confident to seek help”, relationships between staff and pupils are “very positive”, and behaviour is “excellent throughout the school day”. Inspectors also complimented pupils’ “commitment to their learning” and their positive attitudes across the school.

Academic achievement was identified as an unmistakable strength. Inspectors noted that pupils “achieve highly across the broad and ambitious curriculum”, with outcomes in public examinations described as strong and “significantly above the national average”.

Inspectors credited the school’s inclusive ethos, commenting that it enabled pupils with SEND and vulnerable students to “thrive academically and personally”.

The report celebrates the self-assurance, curiosity and ambition of NSG students, affirming that pupils “articulate their learning with confidence and enthusiasm” and are “particularly well prepared” for their next steps. In doing so, inspectors also recognised the school’s “exceptionally high-quality careers education” and breadth of opportunity available to students.

Beyond the classroom, inspectors praised, “an extensive and carefully planned range of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents.” The report celebrates the richness of life at NSG, reflected in opportunities across sport, performing arts, debating, leadership and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Inspectors recognised how these experiences develop confidence and self-belief, perhaps most strikingly noting that: “Pupils feel connected to something bigger than themselves.”

NSG’s sixth form also received significant acclaim. Inspectors found that: “Boys and girls flourish in the sixth form, enjoying being part of a tight-knit community where they receive individualised support.”

The report highlights the aspirational culture within the sixth form and the strength of relationships between students and staff. Inspectors recognised the way students are encouraged to take “intellectual risks”, believe in their abilities and prepare confidently for life beyond school, while noting that sixth form outcomes “continue to improve”.

Headteacher, Cristina Taboada-Naya, said the report captured both the spirit and ambition of the school: “We are incredibly proud that inspectors saw NSG as we know it: ambitious, inclusive, joyful and full of

remarkable young people who care deeply about their school and one another,” she said. “Our students achieve excellent outcomes, but they also grow at NSG in ways that matter profoundly for life.

They develop confidence, friendship, courage and a sense of possibility. They learn to aim high, develop character and believe they have something valuable to offer the world. That is what makes NSG such a wonderful place.”

She added: “One of the most moving parts of the inspection was hearing students speak about their school with such warmth and gratitude. They spoke about feeling known, encouraged and believed in. They spoke about friendships that matter deeply and opportunities that changed how they see themselves and their future. Those of the experiences that I would want for my daughter, and it is what we want for every young person here. That is the heart of NSG.”

In recognising both excellence and belonging, the report captures what makes Northampton School for Girls distinctive: a community where young people “flourish” not only in what they achieve, but in who they become.