For too long pupils have been let down by the poor quality of education provided at this school. Leaders, including governors, do not fully recognise how poor the quality of education is for pupils. They have been too slow to act and failed to improve deep-rooted weaknesses in key stages 3, 4 and 5. Pupils do not learn well enough in almost all subjects, including English, mathematics and science. Pupils’ examination results are consistently far lower than those of others nationally at the end of Year 11 and Year 13. Far too many pupils do not attend school regularly. This hampers their achievement. Many pupils behave well at break and lunchtimes. However, some are boisterous. Staff are usually at hand to calm things down and keep order. Pupils’ behaviour varies from class to class. Pupils’ attention is taken away from learning where there is low-level disruption. Pupils say that they are well cared for, from Year 7 to Year 13. They feel safe. Pupils know who to turn to with any concerns. Bullying is rare, and leaders deal with it well. Pupils are friendly and kind. They say that this is a school where everybody fits in and is welcome. Many pupils take part in and enjoy the wide range of extracurricular activities on offer.