This average-sized school serves an area of mixed housing. Most pupils are of White British origin. A small but growing proportion of pupils comes from minority ethnic backgrounds, mainly East European. Most of these pupils speak a first language other than English. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is above average. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties is close to the national average. Most of these pupils have speech and language or moderate learning difficulties. The proportion of pupils with statements of special educational need is below average. The school has the Healthy Schools Award and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England Award for Environmental Improvements. It shares a site with the junior school. On the day of the inspection the normal timetable was suspended and pupils and their parents were taking part in an art open day in fourteen mixed-age workshops run by staff, students and visitors.