The school is much smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The balance of boys and girls varies considerably depending on the year group. A much higher proportion of students than the national average is known to be eligible for free school meals. Nearly all students come from White British backgrounds, with very small numbers from a range of other heritages. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs is broadly average. The school meets the current floor standard set by the government, which determines the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. It is a specialist science college and, in February 2010, formed the South Newcastle Federation with Clayton Hall Business and Language College. The federation has a single governing body, one executive headteacher for both schools, and two associate headteachers, one for each school. The nursery and before- and after-school club on the college’s site are privately managed and inspected separately.