At the Castle Vale school, there was an arson attack on the night of Monday 14 November 1977, with five fire engines.

The school gained Performing Arts College specialist status.

Then Mr Harry French was appointed Principal in June 2013 and immediately took action to solve the problems the school faced.

[2] Under his leadership the school has been subject to a turnaround, with many esteemed visitors expressing compliments, echoing Lord Nash's comment "..the school oozes aspiration".

[3] Mr French and the staff have re-established open events and have regained the confidence of the community.