Pupils’ personal development is the hallmark of this school. The high level of pastoral care dovetails with the school’s Islamic ethos. Pupils are happy, confident and keen to welcome visitors to their school. Pupils say, ‘Abu Bakr is a unique school because we are the same, but different in our own ways’. Leaders are determined that all pupils will achieve well academically. Leaders are constantly reviewing and improving the school’s curriculum to support this ambition. There is an orderly atmosphere around the school. Pupils are polite and respectful. On the playgrounds, they enjoy spending social time with their friends where they sit and chat. However, the playgrounds are tired and require development. In lessons, pupils’ behaviour is positive. Teachers can teach, and pupils can learn. Pupils understand and learn about the different types of bullying, including cyberbullying. Bullying does not happen very often, but when it does, staff deal with incidents quickly. Pupils and parents value this. Parents have mixed views about the school. They say their children are happy and do well in school. However, some parents are less positive about how their concerns are dealt with and changes in staffing.