The school is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average, as is the proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of students from minority ethnic heritages is above average, with the largest group being of Indian origin. The proportion who speak English as an additional language is also above average. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for students in local authority care, known to be eligible for free school meals, is above the national average. Twenty-four students from Years 9 to 11 follow a variety of full- or part-time alternative courses at the Orchard Centre, MMAP (Arts), Walsall College, Second Chances, Shepwell, Timkin and Wolverhampton College. The school meets the current government floor standards for secondary schools, which set the minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress. In 2010, the school took in students from Years 9 to 11 from a closing neighbouring school, many of whom had behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The school runs a breakfast club every morning, provided free to students eligible for the pupil premium. The sixth form is in a consortium with Coppice Performing Arts School. The school’s move to new purpose-built accommodation was completed in February 2013. Over the past two years there has been a significant turnover in staffing.