The King Edward VI School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Ambitious and excellent leadership and governance, and extremely skilled and dedicated staff, have ensured that the school's high performance has been sustained since the previous inspection. All groups of students make rapid progress from their different starting points.

A small exception is the small proportion of students who join the school with lower than expected reading skills, which slows their progress in some subjects. Teachers are highly skilled and enthusiastic; they are relentless in their drive to help students to achieve their very best. Students behave extremely well in and out of classrooms.

They show high levels... of respect and self-discipline at all times. Excellent pastoral care ensures that they feel safe and are safe in school. Middle leaders are unwavering in their drive to bring about further improvement and learn from each other's excellent practices.

The sixth form is outstanding. Outstanding leadership of this highly inclusive sixth form underpins a broad curriculum and the exceptional performance of students. Results at A-level are significantly above national averages, so that the vast majority of students move on to their first choice universities, which include Oxbridge and universities in the prestigious Russell group.

The curriculum is continually developing in response to students' needs so that it helps them meet their aspirations successfully. The rich extra-curricular programme has a very positive impact on students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The school makes an extensive contribution towards school improvement in the region.

Governors are steadfast in holding leaders to account for the quality of teaching and students' progress. They successfully promote the school's further improvement through skilful fund-raising.

Information about this school

The King Edward VI School is an above average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of students from minority ethnic groups is small; so too is the proportion who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is well below average. The pupil premium is additional funding provided for students known to eligible for free school meals or who are looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of students supported at school action is below average; so too is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The school meets the government's current floor standard, which is the minimum expectation for students' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The school makes use of off-site provision for vocational courses for fewer than 10 students.

The King Edward VIth High School is the founding school of the Three Rivers Trust, which was formed in December 2011. The Trust comprises one high school and two middle schools. The executive headteacher is a National Leader of Education.