13. The distinctive ethos of the school encourages pupils to accept responsibility for their actions, and to treat everyone with respect. Mutual trust and respect are therefore very evident between all members of this dignified community. Pupils are valued for their individuality and helped to do well in as many ways as possible. Staff constantly encourage pupils to consider the needs of others. Pupils respond very positively to this and develop, during their time at school, into confident and considerate young people. They take their many responsibilities very seriously. Prefects act as most effective role models for younger pupils. They take a welt-informed stance on both local and worldwide issues.

14. They show compassion for the lives and needs of others. Many responded very sensitively to their lessons on the Holocaust. They can reflect carefully on life's fundamental questions. Most teachers and tutors promote this reflection and understanding well, but there is still some inconsistency. Assemblies and tutor periods do not all capitalise on pupils' willingness to be reflective, and to explore feelings. The school does not hold a daily act of collective worship for all pupils. Pupils value strongly social, cultural and ethnic diversity. They show a good understanding of, and interest in, other people and cultures.

Attendance

Attendance in the latest complete reporting year 2003-2004 (%)

The table gives the percentage of half days (sessions) missed through absence for the latest complete reporting year.

15. Attendance is good at the school. Good procedures to follow up absence ensure that the rate of unauthorised absence is well below that of other schools. The school ensures that parents take their responsibility for their child's attendance very seriously.

The school provides a very good quality of education.

Teaching and learning

Teaching, learning and assessment are all very good.

Main strengths and weaknesses

• Teachers in Years 10 and 11 fully exploit their very good understanding of what pupils need to do to achieve examination success.

• There is an excellent learning atmosphere across the school where teachers and pupils trust and respect each other.

• The most highly developed teaching skills are less consistently seen in Years 7 to 9.

• There is a very effective system to monitor how hard pupils are working.

Commentary
Summary of teaching observed during the inspection in 115 lessons

The table gives the number of lessons observed in each of the seven categories used to make judgements about lessons; f igures in brackets show percentages where 30 or more lessons are seen.