Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The school has gone from strength to strength since the last inspection.

Results for Year 11 students have improved significantly year-on-year so that the proportion of A* to C grades is now in line with national averages and progress across a very large majority of subjects is good with evidence of further improvement. The rapid improvement in students' achievement is a direct result of the transformation in teaching, which is now good and in some cases outstanding. Students recognise and appreciate the positive changes in the school and say that this has helped to improve their achievement and their behaviour.

Behaviour is good, attend...ance is improving rapidly and exclusions are falling. The recently appointed headteacher's ambition and determination permeates and motivates the whole school. His promise of improvement, particularly in teaching and achievement, has been realised and his vision for the future is shared by senior and middle leaders as well as the governing body.

Students, staff, and parents and carers are extremely proud to be associated with the school. The sixth form is good. Students achieve well and make a positive contribution to the life of the school.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Achievement is not yet outstanding because : students do not use their numeracy skills as well as they use their literacy skills. The quality of teaching is not yet outstanding as students are not always challenged enough to bring about outstanding learning. Teachers do not give enough individual feedback to students about how to improve their work.

Occasionally, students do not have enough time to find things out for themselves.

Information about this school

Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre is a mixed 11 to 18 school which is significantly larger than most other secondary schools. The school is situated on two sites with students in Years 7 to 9 on one and students in Years 10 to 13 on the other.

The large majority of students are White British with small numbers of African, Asian and Bangladeshi students. The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is above average. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding for specific groups of pupils, including those known to be eligible for free school meals) is above average.

The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is above the national average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. A reducing number of students attend alternative provision off-site programmes at Plumpton College covering animal care, environmental science and motor vehicle maintenance, as well as Northbrook College covering catering and hospitality. The school meets current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.

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