Pupils get an excellent education here. They are safe and well looked after in this welcoming school, where leaders ensure equal opportunities for all pupils to succeed. Pupils take their learning seriously and work hard. At the heart of the school’s culture is the simple motto, ‘be kind’. This is reflected in the positive and respectful working relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils’ character development is just as important as academic success here. Pupils are encouraged to be ‘givers not takers’, with an emphasis on teamwork and helping others. Through the house system, for example, pupils from all year groups work together on quizzes and sports events, competing to win the coveted ‘House Cup’. Staff work hard to ensure that everyone is involved in school life. In sports, for instance, every pupil represents the school in at least one fixture each year. Pupils flourish here and pursue a broad range of interests. The ‘Thomas’s Options’ system in Years 10 and 11 ensures that pupils can continue their learning in subjects that they have not selected to study at GCSE. For example, pupils can choose various creative arts and activities such as horse riding and cooking. Many pupils take part in the staging and production of school plays. Keen musicians participate in jazz, rock and vocal ensembles.