The King’s School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Students make outstanding progress from their starting points. The proportion of students attaining five GCSE grades at A* to C, including English and mathematics, is well above average. The GCSE results in many other subjects, for example science, textiles, geography and religious studies, are very high when compared with national averages.

The quality of teaching over time is outstanding because teachers have high expectations and manage their classes very well. Teachers know their students exceptionally well and use this knowledge to plan and adapt lessons to meet their needs. In a few cases, feedback in marked books does not ...tell students how to improve further.

The behaviour of students both around the school and in classrooms is exemplary. Positive relationships between staff and students, based on mutual respect, mean that learning is able to progress rapidly. The school takes great care of its students and as a result they feel extremely safe.

Students are involved in a rich variety of activities outside of normal lessons and these make an exceptional contribution to students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. For example there are strong international links. The sixth form is outstanding.

The number of excellent opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills is particularly striking. The headteacher is passionate about developing the school as an inclusive community; every individual is accepted regardless of their background. She brings inspiration and a strong sense of direction to leaders, managers, staff and students.

The Chair of the Governing Body and the governing body know the school well and use their considerable skills to support and challenge the headteacher and senior leaders very effectively.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average sized secondary school with a large sixth form. The King's School converted to become an academy on 1 April 2011.

When its predecessor school, also called The King's School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. Most students are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average.

The proportion of students supported at school action is above average. 'The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is similar to that found in most schools. This is additional government funding provided to give extra support to those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, to children who are looked after and any whose parents are members of the armed forces.'

A small number of students are taught vocational courses at Exeter College. The school is a member of the Jurassic Coast Teaching Schools Alliance which provides mutual support and staff development for schools in the local area. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum levels expected for students' attainment and progress.