Our Values and Welcome from the Head of College

The full inspection report praised the school’s exemplary personal development, ambitious leadership, pupils outstanding behaviour and attitudes, a quality of education where teaching is typically strong and pupils achieve well, and a sixth form of the highest quality in all areas. 

The official Ofsted judgments are as follows: 

Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes - The report describes pupil conduct as excellent and pupils as polite, respectful and caring. Classrooms are calm, focused places where pupils work hard and show pride in their learning. Pupils with SEND are particularly well supported to manage their emotions and help them flourish. 

Outstanding Personal Development - Personal Development provision is described as exceptional. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences that help them grow in character and confidence so that they are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps. Pupils feel valued, supported and listened to. 

Outstanding Leadership and Management - Leaders are described as highly ambitious for all pupils. They place the well-being and success of pupils at the centre of every decision. 

Outstanding Sixth Form - Our Sixth Form is described as a place where students benefit from an extensive mix of courses, personalised care and high-quality advice and guidance. That, coupled with consistently highly effective teaching enables students to make excellent progress, achieve highly and gain the qualifications they need to move on successfully. 

Good Quality of Education – An ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of pupils, taught well by teachers with strong subject knowledge so that new ideas are explained clearly and understanding checked carefully. The needs of pupils with SEND are identified early and personalised support implemented so they achieve well. 

Head of College, John Gilligan commented on the report: 

"We are immensely proud of this report. To be judged as outstanding in so many key areas is testament to the relentless dedication of our staff, the excellent conduct of our students, and the strength of our wider school community. While we are pleased with the ‘Good’ rating in the quality of education, we view it as a platform to continue improving and innovating our curriculum to achieve even greater impact for every learner. 

Pupils told inspectors how they were proud of our school; I would echo that but add how proud I am of them"