The school is larger than the average secondary school and serves the eastern side of Norwich and the adjacent rural communities. The school operates on a split site and is housed mainly in post-war buildings which have been refurbished. There are a number of recently constructed buildings for performing arts, business and technology. The school has extensive grounds and playing fields. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds, with a very small number from minority ethnic backgrounds. A below-average proportion of students are supported by the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for students who are in local authority care, from armed services families or known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportions of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is broadly average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well below average. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress. A small number of Key Stage 4 students take work-related courses at the City College and other training providers. The school has a large sixth form which increasingly recruits a growing number of students from other schools.