Regarding academics, the school does push students to attain these high grades (7,8 and 9s) especially if you are top set in maths and english, while for low attainders in the lower sets they push these students to at least pass their subjects.
For DD, because she is in year 11 they have after school interventions during exams seasons (During mocks and GCSE times). This also applies to people in year 9 and year 10 as they are also taking their GCSEs (languages and options respectively). For year 11’s they also have a period 7 which is an extra lesson they have for English, Maths and sciences. English period 7 is once a fortnight, maths is once a week, combined science is once a week, whilst triple science is twice a week.
For the low Ebacc attainment rate I wouldn’t worry about it as they do make students pick a creative subject (Food tech, Dance , Drama , Art , Music) along with either Geography or History and a language (Spanish or French). However in my personal experience, students do not like the fact they have to pick a creative subject as they well like it’s a waste of an option.
However my biggest problem with the school is the SLT as they tend to pester kids about the attendance and grades ( For example my DD). SLT also tend to be quite assertive and patronising and in some instances make students feel belittled from DD’s experiences.
SLT also has a tendencies to have biases/favourites towards certain students, not because of their academic achievements or outstanding behaviour, but because of certain students outspokenness and sociability.
For DD because she is a more quiet and reserved person she tends to be treated more harshly compared to the other students who tend to be “jokey” and class clown-like with the SLT members.
I’m not sure if the staff told you about this during open evening however I think it’s important for you to know.
The school recently introduced a new pouch which locks your child’s phone for the entire school day. Your DC will have to be forced to do this as your child would be in serious trouble if their phones aren’t in the pouches, and they check every morning whether or not your child has done so.
Overall, academically, EGA is above average, and the facilities are amazing since they are all modern and new. The range of options is also amazing surpassing that of other schools in the area, which both DD and I really like.
However, the most significant drawback with the school lies in its staff, particularly the pastoral team. They have a tendency to play favorites and can be both rude and patronizing.