This is a much larger than average sized school. It became an academy in 2010. The academy occupies two nearby sites, separated by a main road. The majority of pupils are of Black African and Black Caribbean heritages; others are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, those from service families and those in local authority care) is higher than average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The academy meets the government’s current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress. Alternative provision is made for pupils through the local authority. Two inclusion centres opened in the academy during the week of the inspection for pupils with behavioural needs. There is a high turnover of staff; 26 teachers joined in September of whom 20 are newly qualified teachers. There is an acting headteacher of school and a newly appointed inclusion manager. Most middle leaders are new to the role and two assistant headteachers are on maternity leave. The academy will expand further to include two-year-old children from April 2014. All secondaryaged pupils will relocate to a new weekly boarding school in Sussex in September 2015.