The Knights Templar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The academy motto - 'courage and courtesy' - is evident in the excellent relationships between all students and with adults.

Much of the teaching is good with some that is outstanding. Students attain high standards and the progress made by students of all backgrounds and abilities in the main school is better than average. Students have exemplary personal and social skills.

They show an excellent understanding of right and wrong. The behaviour of students is extremely good, both in the classroom and around the site. They feel very safe and happy at school.

Students have an excellent attitude to learning. Staff are highly commit...ted to students' welfare, academic development and to a wide range of additional activities. Leaders and managers plan well and have improved teaching.

It is not yet an outstanding school because: There is not enough teaching that is outstanding. The progress made by students should be stronger, particularly in the sixth form. Examination results have been static for three years.

The monitoring arrangements by managers and governors need to be even sharper.

Information about this school

The Knights Templar is larger than the average secondary and is the only one serving the local town. The school converted to become an academy on 1 April 2011.

When its predecessor school of the same name was last inspected by Ofsted it was judged to be outstanding. The academy has specialisms in the performing arts and in sports. The proportion of students known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is below average.

The majority of students are White British, but a number of other ethnic groups are represented in the population. A small proportion of students speak English as an additional language. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average.

The academy has Artsmark Gold accreditation and the Eco-school silver award. The academy consistently exceeds current government floor standards which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The headteacher has provided support to another local school, although this has become a pairing arrangement more recently.