Clacton County High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal has established a culture of high expectations and outstanding leadership. Leaders at all levels are uncompromising in their focus on continuous improvement. The trust, senior leaders and governors are highly ambitious to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.

They have an accurate view of the school's strengths and what needs to improve. Parents and carers, almost universally, are extremely positive about the school and the quality of its work. Strong leadership of teaching and learning has ensured that teachers' practice continues to improve.

Where further change is needed, leaders' actions are swift and effective. Work... is under way to address the remaining inconsistencies in teaching across subjects and year groups, notably to ensure that pupils secure a sound understanding of subject-specific language quickly. The curriculum ensures that pupils make good progress overall and that they are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

New strategies are in place to raise literacy standards and to ensure that the most able pupils are challenged to achieve their best. Most pupils behave very well. They work hard and are typically tolerant and respectful.

A minority of pupils do not consistently meet leaders' high expectations or represent the values that are routinely modelled by staff. Pupils' attendance has improved because of the relentless focus on its importance by the whole school team. Sixth-form students make excellent progress because of high-quality provision and support.

Safeguarding arrangements are thorough and effective. The safety and welfare of all pupils, including the most vulnerable, are of the highest priority. Governors are experienced and effective in holding senior leaders to account and in supporting rapid improvements in the school's performance.

While pupils excel on work-related courses, they do not do as well in their GCSE examinations. Boys are not as successful as girls in English. The

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized secondary school.

It became part of the Sigma Trust, a multi-academy trust, in September 2016. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is well above average. Most pupils are White British.

The proportions of pupils who are from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are below the national averages. The proportions of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities and those with an education, health and care plan are around the national averages. A few key stage 4 pupils attend vocational courses for one day each week at a local authority provider of alternative education.