Overall effectiveness
Previous inspection: Good 2
This inspection: Outstanding 1
Leadership and management: Outstanding 1
Behaviour and safety of pupils: Outstanding 1
Quality of teaching: Outstanding 1
Achievement of pupils: Outstanding 1
Sixth form provision: Good 2
Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
This is an outstanding school.
Previous inspection: Good 2
This inspection: Outstanding 1
Leadership and management: Outstanding 1
Behaviour and safety of pupils: Outstanding 1
Quality of teaching: Outstanding 1
Achievement of pupils: Outstanding 1
Sixth form provision: Good 2
Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
This is an outstanding school.
- The headteacher's leadership is very effective. She constantly ensures the spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of the curriculum are embedded. Her sensitive approach and determination results in as much success as possible for all students.
- The very able deputy headteacher has a crystal clear overview of strengths and weaknesses at the school. She is well supported by senior and middle leaders who have a range of diverse skills.
- Together, leaders ensure that teaching and students achievement continue to improve. They recognise that a consistent approach to the analysis of all data is the next step for the sixth form provision.
- Governors are extremely supportive of the school and challenge leaders to constantly provide exemplary practice for all.
- Students behaviour is outstanding and their attitudes are exemplary. Very effective arrangements are in place to ensure all students are safe and all safeguarding requirements are fully met.
- The new sixth form provision has got off to a good start with a smooth transition for all those students who joined in September.
- All staff are experienced and highly trained in different aspects of special educational needs or specialist subjects. This, along with exceptionally high levels of care ensures students achieve extremely well from their starting points.
- The support staff are a huge strength of the school. They are extremely well trained and focus constantly on students well-being, personal development and academic achievements.
- Some students gain outstanding personal achievements due to the targeted support that they receive to recognise their talents in sports, poetry, music, drama, textiles and art. As a result, some students personal achievements are exceptional considering their starting points.
- Students make rapid and sustained progress over time. As they move up through the school, students are consistently well supported to achieve the very best they can in Key Stage 3 and 4.
- Lunchtime clubs, Cyber Cafe, trips, visitors, residential visits and sport are all particular favourites as students say they are learning to interact socially which is a skill they need for later life, especially in the world of work.
