Staff have high expectations of pupils. Pupils’ behaviour is improving. Disruption in lessons is rare. The school is working hard to reduce the number of pupils who are suspended from school. Staff show vigilance and care. Pupils feel safe in school. Pupils said that there are many staff to turn to for help if they have worries. The school provides many opportunities for pupils, and students in the sixth form, to develop their interests. This year’s school production is eagerly anticipated. Pupils take on leadership roles. The Stephen Lawrence ambassadors, for example, expressed pride in their work and for ‘having their voices heard’. Too many pupils are absent too often. As a result, pupils, in particular pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are missing too much of their education. Effective work takes place to support pupils and their families. There are signs of improvement, but rightly, pupil attendance remains a key school priority. The curriculum has improved. However, there are inconsistencies in how well the curriculum is taught in the different subjects. Pupils do not achieve as well as they should at the end of key stage 4. Students in the sixth form benefit from stronger provision.