I am a parent at the school - it is not a school for bright children, certainly not in the younger years (6-8). There is even a key teacher who refuses to stretch the children, almost working against bright students. Even after taking this to the Head, minimal, and only short term, action was taken. Strange and deeply disappointing.
Most subjects from Year 7 are of a good standard - but not highly academic - with some good, great and lovely teachers. Art is first class, language teachers are fun and engaging, English and drama is good, science excellent, music is weak unfortunately (especially with the loss of the year 13s this year - they carried the Christmas concert).
Maths is shockingly bad. Shockingly bad. Made even worse for us by the Head of Maths who appeared enthusiastic and highly engaging on open day but in reality is far, far from that. Awful, to be quite frank. Essentially a couple of bullies in the maths dept and a sweet guy who cannot control, and therefore adequately teach his class (there is a fourth teacher but I have not dealt with him).
It appears with the closing of the sixth form, more students will leave at 13+ to secure longer term options (some already advised). Some very good teachers, without their A level students, have chosen to leave too. The most recent at the end of summer term 2019.
The SEND department is fantastic. Pastoral care, not so much, although the Head of Pastoral is lovely. I don't understand the disconnect there.