The school is a locally designated centre for students who have a physical disability; the proportion of pupils with a statement of special education needs is above average.

Pupils learn well and make excellent progress because teaching in English, mathematics and most other subjects is consistently good" Pupils, including the most able, are challenged by their work because the teachers have high expectations of them and plan work that is hard but appropriate for their ability.

[2] In Key Stage 3, alternate year groups are taught German and French.

In Key Stage 4, about a third of the year group study single sciences- while the majority do combined science.

Pastoral managers check carefully on the reasons why individual pupils are absent.