Vice Principal - Quality of Education

Cowley is a high school and Sixth Form College with approximately 1500 students of which 250 are in the Sixth Form.

Cowley is steeped in history and is one of the oldest school’s in St Helens, if not the oldest having been founded in 1716.

Cowley is a warm, caring and vibrant community – there is always something happening here in our school, whether that be dance shows, sporting events, clubs or special guest talks.  When we say to our new students that ‘there is something for everyone’ in terms of extra-curricular, we really mean it!  Our extracurricular timetable covers two sides of A4 and whether a students’ interest be chess, reading, science or sport, we will likely have a club for them to join.

We value every person at Cowley and we are driven by an underlying philosophy captured in five words – ‘Achieving the highest standards together’.

A strong link with St Helens Rugby League , who have training facilities within the college grounds, has been built up over a number of years providing opportunities for students who have an interest in sport.

The College’s tenacity to move with the times and offer its students an outstanding curriculum, inside and outside of the classroom, is what secures Cowley’s reputation of providing a well-rounded education.

Awards

As well as being an Ofsted "Good" provider, Cowley has achieved numerous awards and accreditations; including:

Religious Education Quality Mark - Gold Award

Music Mark School Member

Young Carers in Schools - Silver Award

Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

Eco-Schools Silver Award

Values and vision

Our mission is to create independent, considerate, healthy and aspirational people that communicate well.  Through teaching and providing an environment that is stimulating, safe and caring, we encourage all to develop themselves and to support each other to achieve their full potential.

Our mission statement is shaped by our vision for all Cowleians to achieve the highest standards together, articulated by our school motto:

Non sibi seb omnibus, which translates as “Not for oneself but for all.”

Ofsted

Cowley International College was recognised as a ‘good’ school following an Ofsted inspection in 2021.

Representatives from education watchdog Ofsted reported that pupils ‘’described their school as a welcoming and friendly community where ‘people smile at one another’.”

They also noted that pupils behave well and that teachers are “ambitious for pupils”.

The glowing report highlighted the well thought-out curriculum, as well as the enjoyment of learning and the determination of students to succeed.

Comments from inspectors included: “Leaders, including governors, ensure that pupils and students are at the centre of each decision that is made.”

The report spoke highly of the sixth form college, noting the range of appropriate courses and extensive array of enrichment activities available, stating “Staff expertise helps students to acquire a thorough insight and knowledge of the subjects that they study. As a result, students progress well.”