The following quotations are all taken from the Ofsted Report published after inspection on 5th-6th February 2009.

Overall effectiveness of the school - good

"The school has made significant progress in promoting community cohesion and has
contributed to this endeavour in a wide range of ways. The school has an arts community programme that extends the school's provision to those living in this part of York."

"Students describe their enjoyment of charity work, music concerts, drama presented for those outside the school and helping in events for senior citizens. Students talked to inspectors of their enjoyment of school and their feeling safe".

"The school impressively tracks not only the progress of its students but also the effectiveness of the community dimension of its specialist schools programme."

Achievement and standards - good

"The overall picture of performance is that of an improving school."

"Particularly challenging targets in the specialist subject areas have been met or
exceeded every year since the school's designation as a Specialist Arts College in 2005."

"Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities achieve as well as other students
because of the good quality support they receive."

Teaching & learning - good

"Teachers plan a variety of appropriate activities that are well matched to students' needs. Consequently, in the most effective lessons, students are enthusiastic and enjoy their work because they are actively involved."

"Learning objectives are routinely shared with students, who respond well to knowing what it is they are learning and why."

"Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are taught well. They make good progress because their learning and behavioural needs are skilfully supported, often by able, well-deployed teaching assistants."

Leadership & management - good

"Leadership and management of the school are good. The vision that senior leaders have for priorities to develop the school are shared with and understood by curriculum leaders and other staff."

"There is an open culture in the management of the school which causes staff to express the view that they can ‘have their say' at subject level and that senior leaders listen to their views."

"The school's self-evaluation is thorough and accurate."

"The school is providing good value for money."

Quote from Ofsted Letter to students - 9th February 2009

"You receive good support, care and guidance from teachers and you tell us that teachers are willing to help you with any issues you have."

Care, guidance and support - good

"The school works hard to support all students to ensure that they develop well."

"A well-structured guidance programme ensures that students receive thorough support and information when deciding on their curricular choices and subsequent education, training and employment."

"Good use is made of data from assessments to track students' academic progress, determine which students need extra support and set challenging targets for improvement."

Personal development & well-being - good

"Students show a good understanding of the need for healthy lifestyles and this is evidenced by the many students participating in regular physical sporting activities."

"Students feel safe in school and demonstrate a good awareness of appropriate safety
measures. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good with clear learning opportunities and time for reflection in lessons."

"Many students say that their enjoyment of school is enhanced by the range of activities
available through the school's arts status. Significant numbers of students take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as the school band and the school choir."

"A well-planned work experience programme and a good range of vocational courses and work-related learning initiatives help students develop the skills and qualities required for adult working life."

Curriculum and other activities - good

"The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum that serves the needs of students throughout the school well. It is well designed to be inclusive and makes it possible for all students to make good progress and develop well."

"There are good, varied opportunities for enrichment, including a wide range of after-school activities, especially in sport, music and drama, which extend students' experiences and contribute valuably to their personal development."

"The curriculum in Key Stage 4 is well developed and has been broadened to include a good variety of pathways that include vocational elements in order to meet the needs and interests of students."

Find out more by reading the schools report at OFSTED website.