Pupils’ learning is severely compromised by poor behaviour. In recent months, older pupils have experienced a sharp rise in incidents such as fights and assaults. Pupils often defy the reasonable requests of staff. While the school has been able to restore order to some degree, there remains an uneasy atmosphere. The school does not always provide a safe environment. In the secondary phase, pupils receive confusing messages about how they should behave and how this will be managed. A significant number of students in the sixth form behave anti-socially. Older pupils sometimes experience bullying and intolerance from their peers. The school does not know who is affected and so cannot protect these pupils effectively. Pupils’ attendance is very low. Over time, many pupils have missed a lot of school. As a result, they have significant gaps in their knowledge, including of reading and mathematics. The curriculum does not address these gaps effectively. Therefore, these pupils continue to fall behind and do not fulfil their potential. Despite all of this, there are many examples of positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils of all ages told inspectors that there are adults within the school who they can trust with their worries. Children benefit from their experiences in the nursery. Primary-aged pupils are responding well to clearer expectations. In the secondary phase, including the sixth form, there are some classes in which pupils learn successfully.