Tapton School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students learn exceptionally well. The proportion of students making and exceeding national rates of progress, across all years, particularly in English and mathematics, are high.

As a result, attainment by the end of Year 11 and in the sixth form is equally high. Students hone a wide range of reading, writing, communication and mathematical skills, to very high standards. As a result, they are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education, training or employment.

Students who are disabled and those who have special educational needs achieve as well as their peers. Those for whom the pupil premium provides sup...port also achieve extremely well. Much of the teaching is outstanding and never less than consistently good in most subjects.

Teachers and other adults have high expectations and generate high levels of commitment to learning in, and beyond, lessons, across all years. Students' attitudes to learning and academy life are exemplary. Their pride in the academy is shown by their outstanding manners and attendance.

Parents, staff and students are highly positive about behaviour. They are similarly assured about the extent to which all young people are safe, on and off the academy's site. Bullying is rare, and students actively try to prevent it from happening.

The headteacher and senior leaders are uncompromising about the pursuit of excellence in all of the academy's work. All subject and pastoral leaders and managers are hugely ambitious for all students and lead by example. Governors robustly hold senior leaders to account for the academy's performance.

Together with the headteacher, they ensure increasingly effective partnership work takes place with other schools across the city. The sixth form is outstanding. High-quality teaching and excellent guidance ensure that students make outstanding progress across Years 12 and 13, and are very well prepared for their future lives.

Information about this school

This academy is much larger than the average sized secondary school. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium, largely those known to be eligible for free school meals, is below average. The proportion of students supported at school action is below that seen nationally, but in line for those at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs.

The academy meets the current floor standard, which sets the government's minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The academy is part of a formal Academy Trust, collaborating with Chaucer secondary school and several partner primary schools. There is a specialist on-site Vision Support Centre.

Approximately 40 students in Years 10 and 11 follow a range of vocational courses in colleges and other work-related settings across the city. The academy has achieved the Healthy School status and is a National Support and Leadership Development School for the National College for School Leaders. It is a specialist school for sciences and the arts.

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