The school is much smaller than other secondary schools. The large majority of students are White British and speak English as their first language. The proportion of students supported by the pupil premium, which is extra government funding given to the school on the basis of the numbers known to be eligible for free school meals, in the care of the local authority or from service families, is above average. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is below the national average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress. The school makes arrangements for a relatively small group of students in Years 10 and 11 to access alternative provision or work-related courses, such as horticulture and skills for life, on a part-time basis in other local institutions. The number of students registered at the school is rising and a much higher proportion of students than nationally are joining the school after the start of Year 7. There have also been significant staff changes since the last inspection. The current headteacher took up post a little over two years ago and more than half the teachers have been at the school for two years or less. The school has a partnership agreement with the governors of a local primary school whereby the headteacher of Alderman Peel also heads up the primary school.