Mulberry Stepney Green Mathematics and Computing College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Students' GCSE attainment has improved in the last few years. Results in 2013 show students make good progress from average starting points.

Students make outstanding progress in mathematics and science. Teaching is typically good. Teachers have high expectations, form very good relationships with students and help them achieve well.

A harmonious and respectful environment exists at the college. Behaviour is good and students are courteous and polite. Students feel exceptionally safe at school.

Parents and carers confirm this view. Attendance is above average and improving. The headteacher works closely with senior colleagues to... provide a strong lead and a secure direction for the college.

Teaching and achievement are now typically good in most subjects. Most subject leaders closely monitor the work of their teams to ensure that students are taught and achieve well. The sixth form is good.

Students are achieving well because they follow a well-planned curriculum. Governors are fully committed to ensuring the school returns to its previous level of effectiveness and demonstrate high expectations of students and staff at all levels. It is not yet an outstanding school because: Some high-attaining students are not always challenged as much as they could be.

Teachers' marking does not always help students to improve their work. A minority of subject leaders do not sufficiently check that teaching is of the highest standard.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized secondary school and is attended only by boys.

The sixth form opened in September 2013 to both boys and girls. It works with Langdon Park, Bow, and St Paul's Way to form the Sixth Form East Partnership to enhance its provision. The proportion of students supported by additional pupil premium funding is well above average.

In this school, this additional government funding is used to support students known to be eligible for free school meals and those looked after by the local authority. The proportion of students from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above the national average, with almost all students coming from the Bangladeshi community. The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is also well above the national average.

The proportion of students supported through school action is below that found nationally. The proportion at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is slightly below the national average. A significant number of students receive Year 7 catch-up funding.

The college no longer enters students early for examinations. Sixth form students attend some additional training led by the City of London School called Sharing Academic Capital, aimed at raising standards. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.