In September 2012, Leiston High School accepted pupils in Years 7 and 8 from two middle schools to become Alde Valley High School. Sixth form students are taught in refurbished buildings on one of the former middle school sites. Teachers regularly travel between the main school and sixth form centre. This reorganisation of education in the local area led to a number of significant challenges for the school and its local community. Some middle school staff transferred to the high school and existing staff taught students in Years 7 and 8 for the first time. During this period the headteacher was acting as the executive headteacher of one of the former middle schools, which was placed in special measures following its Ofsted inspection in 2010. Most students are White British, and very few are from minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of students supported by the pupil premium (extra government funding for particular groups of students including those eligible for free school meals) is similar to that found nationally. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs, mostly behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, supported by school action is below average. The proportion supported by school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is above average. A small number of students are taught for some of the time in the North Suffolk Skills Partnership in Halesworth or 4RCE Training in Lowestoft. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress.