Pupils receive a good all-round education here. Although the school is large, pupils feel that they are valued as individuals. Pupils appreciate the broad range of subjects that they can study in the school and sixth form. Many pupils take advantage of the extensive range of clubs and activities provided outside their regular lessons. This includes many opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), such as aviation club and the status racing club. Pupils have numerous opportunities to develop leadership and have their say in how the school is run. Most pupils conduct themselves well. They are polite and friendly. Pupils understand the behaviour systems and say that these work most of the time. Lessons are sometimes interrupted by a minority of pupils, but staff deal quickly with any poor behaviour and bullying. Pupils feel safe at school. They are very well cared for. Parents and carers and pupils praise the very high quality of pastoral care that the school provides. One parent’s comment reflected those of many in a response to Ofsted Parent View: ‘Collingwood is an amazingly supportive school where staff work together to ensure children achieve their best and follow their own personal passions.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils study a broad range of academic and vocational subjects. They are well prepared for their future. More pupils are choosing to study modern foreign languages in key stage 4 because the curriculum has improved. High numbers of pupils continue to study technology subjects in key stage 4 and beyond. Leaders have considered exactly what pupils should learn and the order in which things are taught. In English, for example, the storyline of ‘Macbeth’ is taught before the play is studied in greater detail. In most subjects, leaders have identified the important knowledge that pupils should remember. In a few subjects, this is not as clear, which means that some pupils do not achieve as well as they could. Staff are enthusiastic about their subjects. They present information in clear and interesting ways. They use questions to probe how well pupils have understood and check pupils’ understanding before moving on. Their teaching helps pupils to remember important ideas and information. In geography, for instance, pupils remember key concepts such as sustainability and population. Resources are carefully chosen to help pupils organise and structure their work. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive good support. Staff know and identify the needs of these pupils well. Staff receive regular training and helpful guidance. They use this information well to adapt lessons so that these pupils keep up with other pupils in their learning. Additionally, the school’s Aspire resource base provides good support for pupils in Year 7 who need extra help with English and mathematics. Reading is prioritised across the school. Leaders have identified essential vocabulary that pupils need to learn. The new reading project in Year 7 is helping pupils read more confidently. Leaders plan to extend this project to other year groups. Specialist teaching for the weakest readers helps these pupils develop their reading skills. However, increased opportunities to strengthen reading across the curriculum are required. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. They establish clear routines and boundaries. Most pupils behave well in class and are enthusiastic about their lessons. Pupils take pride in their work. Personal development days provide pupils with a variety of leadership opportunities. Leaders have increased the amount of personal, social and health education (PSHE) teaching this year. Most pupils appreciate and value these sessions because they cover relevant topics for their age group. The sixth form is very successful. Students achieve well in a broad range of subjects and are well prepared for their next steps. After sixth form, high proportions of students enter further education, employment or training successfully. The new study centre supports students to work independently. Students appreciate the quality of support provided by teaching and pastoral staff. The weekly seminar programme and the extensive enrichment and extra-curricular programme promote their personal development. Sixth-form students are fully involved in the life of the school. They organise many events, such as the sixth-form revue. Many students support younger pupils with their learning. The school is very well led and is on a journey of continuous improvement. Parents express high levels of confidence in the school. Staff are overwhelmingly positive about leaders’ concern for their workload and well-being. Staff say that leaders act quickly on any concerns that they raise.