As a school we are clear that we want to be a great school. Some may question why we use the word ‘great’, as opposed to the Ofsted term ‘outstanding’. As the Ofsted definition of an ‘outstanding judgement’, has changed at least 6 times in the last few years, we will not blindly chase it. We want to be great because we believe mediocre is never acceptable. However, we believe that the judgement of us as a school comes from our community. The community knows us best, and that’s why we value your input. If you have any issues, please let us know and we will do our best to address them.

We have worked with staff, governors and students to be clear about what a great school looks like, and how we can measure our progress on the journey to becoming great.

We have embedded this into our school culture, under the title "statement of intent". The elements below are our statement of intent, stating our aims, and also how we hold ourselves accountable. We believe that it is part of our daily challenge to deliver these.

Putting students at the centre of everything we do, regardless of external pressures

By asking what impact it will have for students when we make every decision

Becoming a centre of excellence for Learning

By increasing the % of good/outstanding lessons Year on Year using the TEEP framework

Ensuring all students make at least expected progress

By delivering 4 levels of Progress for all

Supporting and challenging all members of our community to aspire to be the best that they can be

By using language of high expectation while demonstrating trust and accountability,to improve destination outcome and to deliver high quality CPD

Creating a culture where all members of the community are safe, valued, appreciated, supported and challenged and everyone is treated with respect and kindness

By being intelligently consistent, improving all behaviour outcomes and increasing attendance year on year. Reviewing all of our questionnaires and surveys and addressing the issues that arise

Engaging and collaborating with our community

By increasing our % uptake year on year, delivering outreach, working together evenings and continuing collaboration with other Melksham schools and the West Wilts Alliance of Secondary Schools