The school does not meet the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress at the end of Year 11. The school meets the Department for Education’s definition of a coasting school based on key stage 4 academic results in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Birches Head Academy is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. Leaders are applying for the school to become part of the Alpha Academy Trust. Currently governance is provided by the school, the local authority and members of the Alpha Academy Trust. Some support is provided to the school by a national leader of education. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above average. Inspection report: Birches Head Academy, 26–27 June 2018 Page 9 of 12 The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities, including those who have an education, health and care plan, is broadly average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. Eight pupils attend alternative provision at Stoke College, Sporting Stars, Alpha Learning and Created Academy, on a full-time basis.