Aston Fields Middle School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Students make outstanding progress from their average starting points on entry to the school. Their attainment is well above average when they move on to high school. Achievement is outstanding in both English and mathematics, and strong in other subjects as well.

Support provided for disabled students and those with special educational needs is very effective and enables them to make rapid progress. Pupil premium funds are used consistently well to help eligible pupils achieve as well as, and often better than, their peers. Teachers plan their lessons well and have high expectations of their students.

Teaching is consis...tently outstanding in English and mathematics. It is strong and improving across a range of subjects. School leaders have implemented very effective literacy and numeracy policies which have contributed to the high levels of attainment in English and mathematics.

Relationships between adults and students are excellent and contribute significantly to the students' success. Attendance has risen over recent years and is now well above the national average. Students' behaviour is outstanding.

Students enjoy attending the school and are full of enthusiasm for their learning. Students feel safe and are very positive about their school. They are polite and respectful towards others.

Conduct in lessons and around the school is impeccable. The quality of teaching and learning is checked rigorously and developed very effectively by all leaders. Robust and effective systems capture reliable information about the progress of students.

Teachers quickly identify pupils experiencing difficulties and support them to make rapid progress. The headteacher leads the school with great diligence and determination. He is passionate and fully committed to serving the needs of his learning community.

Governors hold the school to account and strive for excellence. Since the previous inspection, they have relentlessly pursued their aims of achieving an outstanding education for all.

Information about this school

This middle-deemed secondary school is smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

Most students come from White British backgrounds. The number of students from other ethnic backgrounds is very small with approximately one per cent of the students speaking English as an additional language. The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium is below average.

This additional funding supports students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority. An average proportion of students with disabilities and special educational needs are supported through school action. The proportion of these students supported through school action plus or with a statement of special education needs is higher than average.

Many of these students have moderate learning difficulties, behavioural, social and emotional difficulties or other specific needs. Over twenty students benefit from the Y7 funded catch-up programme. The school meets the government's current floor targets, which are the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.