Sedgefield Community College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Ambitious and determined senior leaders have improved the school's performance significantly since it was last inspected. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has systematically addressed weaknesses and sustained improvements in outcomes. Pupils make significantly more progress across a wide range of subjects than seen typically.

Pupils thrive within a culture that promotes achievement and personal responsibility. The school expects the same level of application and commitment from all pupils. Disadvantaged pupils make excellent use of the additional support provided for them and attain similar standards to those of other pupils national...ly.

Teaching is well planned and challenges the most able pupils to give of their best. A high proportion of pupils attain top GCSE grades in a broad range of subjects. Teachers use assessment particularly well to ensure that they provide pupils with appropriate work.

Levels of challenge are high and sustain pupils' rapid progress. Just occasionally, pupils do not get enough opportunities to discuss and debate topics of interest to them. Pupils do not give up.

They apply themselves diligently, persevere and complete almost everything set for them. Lower-attaining pupils show similar application and respond well to the additional support they receive. Pupils feel safe and secure and are proud of their school.

They take care of the school site and conduct themselves impeccably. Exclusion from the school for poor behaviour is rare. Levels of attendance are slightly above those seen nationally and are improving quickly for disadvantaged pupils due to the proactive strategies employed by attendance leaders.

There are excellent arrangements in place to support pupils' personal development. These arrangements make a significant contribution to developing pupils' positive and responsible attitudes. Effective careers guidance motivates pupils to achieve the qualifications they need to take their next steps.

A large majority of pupils progress onto appropriate further education courses. However, routes into apprenticeships and the region's employment sectors are less well developed. Governors provide effective strategic guidance and direction.

They uphold the school's inclusive and aspirational values well through their scrutiny of the school's work. Under their governance, the school has grown in popularity and continues to expand. Almost all parents who responded to Ofsted's questionnaire would recommend the school.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Sedgefield Community College is an average-sized secondary school. A small proportion of pupils belong to minority ethnic groups.

Very few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is slightly larger than seen nationally.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational need or with an education, health and care plan is in line with the national average. The school meets the government's current floor targets, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress at key stage 4. The school does not use any alternative education providers.