The school is of similar size to most middle schools, taking pupils from lower schools across the town. Nearly half the pupils that attend the school are from minority ethnic backgrounds and this proportion is twice the national average, as is that of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of students supported through the pupil premium is just above that of the national average. The pupil premium is additional funding based on the number of pupils in local authority care, from service families and those known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported by school action is just above average; while the proportion at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is lower than most schools. An above-average number of pupils join or leave the school during the year. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress. The school has entered into a formal partnership with a global accountancy company in order to support its leadership development programmes. The school does not make any use of any alternative off-site provision for students. When the school was last inspected in September 2011, it was found to require special measures. Four monitoring visits have been undertaken since then to evaluate its progress.