The Charles Dickens School is larger than the average-size school. In September 2013 the school opened a sixth form. The proportion of students who are disabled or have special educational needs and are supported through school action plus, or with a statement of special educational need (as defined by the previous Special Educational Needs Code of Practice) is higher than the national average. The proportion supported at school action is also higher than average. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding) is slightly above the national average. Some students are eligible for the Year 7 catch-up premium. The school serves a community with relatively little ethnic or cultural diversity. Nearly all students are of White British heritage. Around 45 students in Key Stage 4 attend part-time at Thanet Skills Studio, and eight attend full-time at the local pupil referral unit but remain on the roll of the school. The school meets the government’s current floor standard which sets minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The school has a specially resourced unit funded by the local authority to support up to six students with a visual impairment.