The overarching aim of the school is to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills of pupils. The school aims to ensure that pupils have well-grounded personal and study skills and the self-discipline to thrive. The school opened in September 1980 and the numbers of pupils attending has grown. New premises, which will adjoin the school, are planned for September 2018. Pupils come from a variety of backgrounds. A number of pupils have had a poor educational experiences before joining the school. The vast majority of pupils who attend the school do so as members of the sixth form. The school was last inspected in September 2014, when it was judged to be outstanding. There are currently seven students who have an education, health and care plan.