The school was visited by the educational inspectorate over three days in September 2023 where every area of life at the school was reviewed and evaluated. As a result, inspectors have determined that we are a Good school.
The report praises the school for its “high academic ambitions for all pupils” and how “pupils value the education they receive”, noting that pupils “benefit from the high-quality education that the school is providing.”
It praises classroom practice and says that “behaviour around the school is calm and orderly.” The report says “pupils speak with enthusiasm about what they learn” and inspectors recognised that our “pupils perform well in national tests” at GCSE and A Level.
The report also acknowledges the work that has gone into supporting students to feel secure and welcome, stating that “pupils feel safe at this school” and that “the school promotes inclusivity and develops pupils to be upstanders and not bystanders.”
The school’s Sixth Form provision was also praised, with the report highlighting how students “benefit from teachers who are experts in their field”.
Other positive comments from the report included:
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The curriculum is broad and ambitious for all pupils at this school.
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Leaders have used their expertise to organise the curriculum logically so that it helps pupils develop a depth of understanding. They have thought carefully about the choice of content and resources.
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Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use this effectively to help most pupils achieve well.
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The school is ambitious for pupils with SEND. There are very effective systems and processes to identify and assess the needs of pupils with SEND. The support the school gives to pupils with more profound needs is a strength.
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There is a whole school strategy to develop a more inclusive culture. Leaders have trained staff in using protocols and policies which allow the school to handle cases of bullying and derogatory language.
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The wider curriculum prepares all pupils and students for the world of work and their future next steps.
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Careers education is a strength at this school.
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All leaders are taking sustainable action to improve aspects of the school.