Penwortham Girls' High School
100%
Capacity
800
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About Penwortham Girls' High School
Penwortham Girls' High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Ribble community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 16. The school has 800 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 800 places).
the school is led by headteacher Sharon Hall, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.57 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 57.5. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 410th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 11 in South Ribble.
Penwortham Girls' High School is a popular choice with families — it received 502 applications for 160 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 166 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Penwortham Girls' High School include Art Studios, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Library, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Athletics, Swimming, Hockey and 4 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Debate, Choir, Orchestra and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 16.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Ribble, Penwortham Girls' High School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Girls |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Cop Lane, Preston, South Ribble, PR1 0SR |
| Headteacher | Sharon Hall |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 800 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 16.5% |
| School Capacity | 800 / 800 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 3 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.57)
410th of 3,141
Nationally
40th of 445
In North West
2nd of 11
In South Ribble
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed160
502
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
166 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penwortham Girls' High School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Cop Lane, Preston
South Ribble, PR1 0SR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Penwortham Girls' High School!
Write a Review