A Highly Successful School

We are a high achieving school and the percentage of students gaining five or more GCSE passes at grades A*- C has steadily risen over the past decade, which has led to us being included in the top 5% of similar schools in England and Wales.

Our Ofsted report of 2007 categorised the school as Outstanding' and made the following comment: The school's success stems from the inspirational leadership of the school which has established a can do' culture. Expectations are high for everyone and no excuses for underachievement are tolerated. Each individual is respected. In return, the pupils rise to the challenges set for them and equally show respect for all their teaching and support staff. They are rightly proud of the school.

The report also made the following judgements about the school:

• The curriculum is outstanding
• Personal development and well-being are outstanding
• Care, guidance and support are outstanding
• The behaviour and attitude of pupils in lessons are outstanding
• Incidents of bullying and racism are very low
• Pupils make a significant contribution to the school and the community
• Teachers have very high expectations of pupils in lessons and pupils respond well to this
• The excellent leadership of the Headteacher and Acting Headteacher has permeated throughout the school
• Attendance is well above the national average. Pupils clearly enjoy coming to school and this is confirmed in the survey of parents
• Leadership and management at all levels are outstanding

As a school community we feel that is is extremely important to celebrate and reward the many different types of student achievement and the contribution of individuals and groups of students throughout the year.

These successes are recognised in a variety of ways throughout each term and at our annual 'Excellence Evening'.

In 2010 we received the NACE Challenge Award which recognises our very high standards when it comes to challenging pupils of all abilities.

Within the official report the assessor made the following observations:

• "There is very effective co-ordination for Able, Gifted and Talented pupils which is supported by the Headteacher; the Associate Principle and all of the staff team"
• "There is a strong whole school ethos of success"
• "The curriculum offers a very wide range of learning opportunities"
• "There is a strong identification procedure linked to a robust target setting and tracking procedures for all students and cohorts"
• "Pupils show extremely positive attitudes to learning"
• "The monitoring and evaluation of the students' learning is an exemplar of good practice"