Comments from the OFSTED Report in January 2005

Standards
Standards at A-level are well above the national average and have risen since the previous inspection. In all subjects students’ achievement is enhanced by an exceptionally mature attitude to their work combined with excellent support and guidance from teachers through careful assessment and frequent tracking of students’ progress.

Students’ Views of the Sixth form
Students, including those who joined from other schools, are very positive about the sixth form and are pleased to be part of it. Newcomers feel they have integrated quickly and students say they were very well prepared for the sixth form.

Students’ Attitudes and Values
In both Year 12 and 13 students are becoming –and many already are– independent learners, using their private study time sensibly, completing work on time and conducting research with very little intervention from adults.

Teaching and Learning
More than nine out of ten lessons were good or better and almost half of them were very good or excellent. This is an unusually strong record of teaching and helps to explain why students are achieving so well in their subjects. Teachers have a very good command of their subjects. The resulting enthusiasm and confidence are shared by students who in turn show real interest – even passion – for their subjects.

Advice, Guidance and Support
Support and guidance for sixth form students are excellent. Students enjoy friendly supportive relationships with their form tutors and subject teachers. Guidance on careers and university entrance is very good. Students are highly appreciative of the support they receive and of their teachers’ hard work on their behalf. Students who joined the sixth form from other schools have been fully accepted and integrated.