BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Students attain very high standards and make outstanding progress in their vocational courses. Students' behaviour is mature and considerate. They respect each other and all staff.

This contributes to the school's special and vibrant atmosphere. Students are fully committed to their performing arts or technology studies and enjoy learning. They work extremely hard towards their career aspirations.

Learning is often exciting, particularly in the vocational sessions. It is delivered by skilful teachers who use their professional expertise to generate outstanding performances and technological work. Many students enter rewarding ca...reers which reflect the unique qualities of the BRIT school and its high reputation in the performing arts and technical professions and industries.

The sixth form is outstanding and well managed. Practically every Year 13 student proceeds into higher or further education, employment or training. The principal's and governors' leadership is outstanding; they have made significant positive changes while maintaining the school's dynamism.

Senior leaders, middle leaders and managers work together very effectively to provide both academic and pastoral support. They are fully supportive of the new principal. The school's work in the local and wider community is exceptional.

Numerous children and adult organisations benefit from the students' talents and their willingness to share them with others. Students relish the large number of trips, visits and overseas experiences they have in addition to the rich curriculum. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Students, particularly the most able, do not do well enough in some academic subjects, particularly in GCSE but also at AS and A level.

In some academic subjects, students' learning is held back because their notes are occasionally disorganised and teachers' feedback does not help them to know how to improve their work.

Information about this school

The principal took up post in September 2012. The school is slightly larger than the average-sized secondary school but it only has students in Years 10 to 14.

Over two thirds of the students are in the sixth form, which is much larger than most secondary school sixth forms. There are more girls than boys in all years except Year 14. A well-above-average proportion of students come from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Students from a Black Caribbean or Black African heritage form the two main groups, with very small percentages from many other heritages. A well-below-average proportion of students speak English as an additional language, of whom very few are at an early stage of learning English. An average proportion of students is eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for specific groups, including looked-after children, students known to be eligible for free school meals and children of service families.

The school has a few looked-after children and no children of service families. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is just above average.

The most common needs relate to specific and moderate learning difficulties, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, and the autistic spectrum. The school does not use any alternative, off-site education provision. The school meets the government's current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.

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