Durham Trinity School & Sports College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The school has worked hard to raise standards.

It is now a good school and it is improving rapidly. Leaders have focused on constant improvement since the last inspection. Governance is a strength of the school.

Governors' mix of relevant experience and expertise combines well to ensure that the drive towards excellence is relentless. Teaching is good. Activities are adapted well to pupils' needs, continually ensuring that pupils make good progress in acquiring skills.

The class teaching teams know each individual exceptionally well so that all their educational, communication and medical needs are met. The curriculum is effectiv...e in all key stages, including the 16 to 19 provision and in the early years, and provides good opportunities for pupils' personal and academic development. The school is a warm and caring place where pupils flourish.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is woven throughout lessons and is a particular strength of the school. Pupils' safety is paramount. Robust systems are in place to keep pupils as safe as possible in school.

Behaviour is good. In lessons pupils typically share ideas and are not afraid to make mistakes because of the school's 'can do' approach and the high expectations for them to achieve. Leaders make effective use of the additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils received by the school to strengthen pupils' academic, personal and social development.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers sometimes miss opportunities to bolster pupils' learning behaviour by challenging them to plan and think for themselves. Pupils do not always use their phonics skills to support their reading or ensure their spelling is correct in their writing. Middle leaders have made a good start in their roles but they have not yet had enough impact on the quality of teaching or pupils' outcomes.

Information about this school

The school provides education for pupils with a range of special educational needs, including moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. A large proportion of pupils have communication disorders including autistic spectrum conditions. All of the pupils attending the school have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.

Education is provided for children in the early years on a full- or part-time basis, depending on their readiness for full-time school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is above average. The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those pupils who are looked after by the local authority.

The vast majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. Since the previous inspection, the school has experienced staffing changes. Twelve newly created posts were filled in September 2014, new middle leaders were appointed in 2015 and a new deputy headteacher was appointed in January 2016.