Midhurst Rother College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students' achievement is outstanding.

They enter the college with levels of attainment that are below average. By the end of Year 11 their GCSE results are well above average. Students progress rapidly in Years 7 to 11 and in the sixth form.

This includes disabled students and those who have special educational needs, and those who speak English as an additional language. Students who benefit from the pupil premium make excellent progress and the gap between their progress and that of other students is narrowing rapidly. Nearly two thirds of the teaching is outstanding.

Students enjoy being in college, and staff enjoy te...aching them. The leadership of teaching, and management of performance, are highly effective. Students' behaviour around the college is exemplary.

They are courteous and considerate, making the college a calm and orderly place at all times. Racial abuse and bullying are exceptionally rare. Attitudes to learning are very positive in lessons, and students say that they feel very safe in the college.

College leaders have the welfare and development of each individual student at the heart of their work. Leaders, managers and governors work most effectively together to make sure that teaching continues to improve, and have had a considerable impact on raising students' achievement. Sixth form students benefit from outstanding teaching, leadership, and pastoral support, and gain examination grades that are in the top 25 per cent nationally.

An excellent curriculum and promotion of students' spiritual, moral social and cultural development mean that their interests and aspirations are met. Monitoring of students' progress is carried out rigorously, and supports the drive for further improvement across the college. The governing body gives an excellent balance of challenge and support to the college through careful review of all its activities.

Information about this school

Midhurst Rother College is a smaller than average-sized college for students aged 11–18 which serves the market town of Midhurst in West Sussex and surrounding areas. At its last inspection by Ofsted, it was judged to be satisfactory. The College is sponsored by United Learning and opened in January 2009.

The great majority of students are of White British heritage, and very few speak English as an additional language. The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium (those known to be eligible for free school meals, looked after students and any with a parent in the armed services) is below the national average. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is slightly above average, and the proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average.

The curriculum is extended through links with: further education colleges; Chichester University; Winchester College; local businesses, including Rolls Royce; and organisations such as the South Downs National Park Authority. The college is part of the Sussex Liaison and Progression Accord. About 20 students in Years 10 and 11 attend off-site courses at the organisations listed above.

The college meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The college is an Investor in People, and holds an Investor in Careers award. It also holds an International Schools award at intermediate level, and is affiliated to the E-learning Foundation.