St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College is a larger than average-sized secondary school with a very large sixth form. It has been led by an acting headteacher during this school year. A new headteacher has been appointed and will take up post by September 2012. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is low. The percentage of disabled students and those with special educational needs is low. Few students are from minority ethnic backgrounds or speak English as an additional language. A small number of students attend alternative provision for parts of the week through the school’s involvement in the Sunderland Futures 14 to 19 partnership. The school has a specialism in the humanities and is recognised as an Investor in People. It has achieved Healthy School status and Thinking School accreditation. The school exceeds the current floor standard (minimum standards for students’ attainment and progress). As this is a faith school, its religious character will be subject to a separate inspection.