Ofsted

Ofsted’s 2022 visit found a confident, happy and polite pupil community, with strong relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils said they feel safe, understand the school’s high expectations and trust staff to deal with bullying thoroughly. Behaviour has improved significantly, and most pupils conduct themselves well.

Inspectors noted that pupils study a curriculum shaped around their interests and needs, taught by skilled staff. Lessons and wider experiences help them build secure knowledge for future success. Classrooms are inclusive, particularly for pupils with complex needs, and pupils value the wide range of clubs, activities and character‑development opportunities.

Leaders were praised for a clear vision that enables every pupil, including those with SEND, to achieve well. Pupils with additional needs benefit from tailored pathways, nurture provision and strong emotional support. Staff training is well established, and teachers use their subject expertise effectively, especially in the sixth form.

Assessment helps teachers identify gaps quickly, and targeted support helps pupils keep up. Leaders are strengthening a small number of subjects where recall is less secure. Reading is a whole‑school priority, with rapid intervention for those who need it and high‑quality texts across subjects.

SEND identification is accurate, and staff receive training to support pupils effectively. Pupils with SEND work towards ambitious goals, and recent changes have made languages more accessible. Behaviour is good, disruption is minimal, and reductions in suspensions and referrals show sustained improvement. Pupils told inspectors the school feels calmer and that staff manage issues well.