Tanfield School is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is above average. Almost all pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The proportion of pupils with SEND who access support is average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is above average. Since the previous inspections, there have been significant changes to senior leadership. A new headteacher was appointed in June 2017 and a new deputy headteacher joined the school in September 2018. A new chair and vice-chair of the governing body are also in place. Since September 2018, the school has been working with the local authority and local Inspection report: Tanfield School, Specialist College of Science and Engineering, 5 to 6 February 2019 Page 8 of 11 schools to improve the quality of teaching and leadership. The school currently uses three alternative providers. These are Delta Independent School, Education Plus and the Gap at Fyndoune Community College.