Ofsted Report 2008

Our first Ofsted inspection took place in November 2008 and after only four terms we are proud of the progress we have made towards fulfilling our mission to 'provide high quality education and training to young people enabling them to achieve their aspirations in an inclusive, supportive, safe and stimulating learning environment.'

Below are excerpts from the inspectors' report
(the full report can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk):

Overall effectiveness of the school

… The curriculum is outstanding in its breadth and is extremely well designed to meet local needs…

Achievement and standards

… A small number of students took A-level courses last year and they achieved well, with a high proportion successfully progressing to higher education…

Personal development and well-being

… Students' social, moral and cultural development is good. Students from very diverse backgrounds are developing a strong sense of community…

Quality of provision - Teaching and learning

… Students show positive attitudes to their learning and are motivated to do well. Teachers have a high level of specialist subject knowledge and make effective, and sometimes innovative, use of information and communication technology (ICT)…

Quality of provision - Curriculum and other activities

… The centre rightly prides itself on providing a highly inclusive curriculum which gives all learners the opportunity to thrive…

… Students benefit from the excellent quality of accommodation and specialist resources and enjoy being in the centre…

Care, guidance and support

… The school draws effectively upon a wide range of specialist staff to provide academic and personal support. Students who speak English as an additional language receive in-class sport to develop their language skills…

Leadership and management

… The principal demonstrates outstanding leadership, with excellent support from the senior team…