Corby Technical School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students make outstanding progress from their different starting points in English and mathematics and make good or better progress across a range of othersubjects. Students known to be eligible for the pupil premium make better progress than other students in English and the gap between them and other students is closing rapidly in mathematics.

Teaching is consistently outstanding in English and mathematics and mostly good across a range of subjects. Teachers plan their lessons meticulously and have high expectations of their students at all times. School leaders have implemented a highly effective literacy strategy.

Students de...monstrate well-developed skills in writing, communication and reading. Students, especially boys, read widely and often. The support provided for disabled students and those with special educational needs or English as an additional language is comprehensive and strong.

Students' conduct in lessons and around the school is impeccable. They feel safe, are highly positive about their school and are polite and respectful towards adults and each other. The quality of teaching and learning is monitored rigorously and is developed very effectively by school leaders.

Students experiencing difficulties and at risk of falling behind are identified early because : leaders have developed effective systems to capture reliable information about their progress and underachievement. The Principal has led the school with great diligence and determination; her vision for the school is consistently implemented by all staff. Governors and sponsors pursue their aim of achieving an outstanding standard of education at the school relentlessly.

Their experience, knowledge and connections have provided the school with access to expert support and training opportunities that are directly relevant to the school's needs.

Information about this school

Corby Technical School currently only has students in Years 7 and 8 so is a smaller than average-sized secondary school. The school opened in September 2012, as the first free school in Northamptonshire.

It is part of the Brooke Weston Trust. The school occupies a new building which was opened in January 2014. The school currently operates a five term year, comprising of eight weeks per term, in line with the other schools within the Brooke Weston Trust.

The majority of students are from White British heritage and a small minority are from other ethnic backgrounds. There are a small number of students who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of students supported by the pupil premium is broadly average compared to other schools.

The pupil premium is additional funding for those students who are known to be eligible for free school meals and for looked after children. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is broadly average, whilst none are supported through school action plus. The school does not use any alternative provision.