Cockburn is a larger-than-average secondary school. The proportion of students from minority ethnic backgrounds or that speaks English as an additional language is average. The proportion of disadvantaged students known to be eligible for the pupil premium is above average. The pupil premium is additional funding provided for students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of students supported at school action is below average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with an education, health and care plan is average. A number of students attend alternative provision on a part-time or full-time basis. The school uses a limited number of alternative providers including Southway, Gipton Fire Station, Hunslet Boys and Girls Club and Footsteps. The school exceeds the government’s floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress by the end of Key Stage 4 The school is part of the Learning Trust (South Leeds), which was formed in July 2011.