Many pupils do not feel safe attending this school. They feel intimidated by others’ conduct. Pupils are right to be concerned. Leaders have not been effective in managing pupils’ behaviour. It is increasingly rowdy and sometimes dangerous. Too many pupils show a lack of respect for each other or their teachers. Pupils are not confident that leaders and staff will be able to help them if they are worried about bullying or friendship issues. Pupils do not achieve well. This is because the curriculum has not been planned or taught well enough. Things have got worse this year. There are high levels of staff absence and several staffing vacancies. Lessons are often taught by non-specialist or temporary staff. Pupils’ learning is hampered because the work they are asked to do is often disjointed, does not match curriculum plans and does not build well on what they’ve done before. Things are much better in the sixth form. Students behave well, the curriculum is strong and leaders have made sure that staffing issues have had less impact on students’ learning. Pupils are confident and articulate. They enjoy participating in a range of clubs, especially performing arts and sporting clubs. Several told us they are worried about their future because of the decline in pupils’ behaviour, safety and the quality of the curriculum.