Swanlea School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Given their starting points students make outstanding progress and achieve above average attainment, especially in English.

The school is very well led and managed. Senior leaders have a very strong and inclusive vision based on supporting and challenging all pupils to achieve well in a welcoming and safe environment. Middle leaders are fully included in management processes.

They carry out their roles confidently and very effectively. Disabled students and those with special educational needs make outstanding progress. Students who speak English as an additional language are also included in the provision and make exceptional pr...ogress.

The large number of students eligible for the pupil premium make outstanding progress. Funding is very well deployed to enhance their learning and their achievement is exceptionally high. Teaching over time is outstanding.

Teachers always expect the best from students and effective monitoring keeps teaching at a high standard. The use of questioning, the quality of resources and the timing of learning activities are particularly strong. The school's provision for the teaching of literacy is outstanding.

Very comprehensive and effective opportunities are provided for students' spiritual, social, moral and cultural understanding. As a result, students work very well together and relationships are excellent. Governors effectively monitor and support the school's work.

They have engaged in a range of appropriate training to support them in their work. Students' behaviour is of a very high standard and they feel happy and secure at school. Attendance is above average and improving.

The sixth form is outstanding. This is because it is well managed and students' progress is outstanding.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized secondary school.

Pupils come from mainly one ethnic group. Bangladeshi pupils are the overwhelming majority. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is well above average.

This includes pupils eligible for free school meals and those looked after by the local authority. There are no pupils from service families in the school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is above average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special education needs is also above average. A well-above average proportion of pupils speak English as an additional language. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' progress and attainment.

The school is part of a sixth form consortium with two other neighbouring secondary schools. The school provides a daily breakfast club and a range of morning, lunchtime and after-school clubs including support with homework, literacy, individual subjects and a range of sporting activities. There is also very comprehensive provision for music.