TPS is officially an "Outstanding” Academy, having been awarded Ofsted’s highest grade in June 2010, and converted to Academy status in July 2011.
Our standards are always well above national averages – this year 93% of our students gained 5 A*- C at GCSE, 70% including English and Maths. Students across the ability range are well catered for, including Gifted & Talented children: 31% of our students gained 5 or more Grades A*/A this summer. We regularly see ex-students gain places at very good universities and only a handful fail to go on to sixth form every year.
There is a very happy atmosphere at TPS. It is genuinely the sort of place where, despite its size, youngsters of every talent and aptitude can thrive and blossom. We do aim to develop every child’s potential; to build on strengths; to encourage our young people to be well-disciplined, polite and considerate, well-motivated, compassionate, happy and confident.
The Academy has many strengths: it is large enough to offer a full range of subjects, yet we strive to know every individual well. Classes are kept as small as possible. Pupils join one of 8 Houses of 160 pupils. Their Head of House is responsible for their welfare thereafter.
In summer 2010 we opened the £1m upgrade to sports facilities – providing a Premier League-standard football facility which is the envy of local professional clubs.
Our prospectus outlines how we currently manage the transition process from Junior to Secondary school. I am very proud of the facilities we offer to new Year 7s. Pupils are placed in carefully mixed Tutor Groups depending on ability, gender and junior school. Classes are set for Maths and English, with mixed groups in other subjects. We move to sets in other subjects from Year 8 onwards.
TPS admits children from over 40 different Primary and Preparatory schools each year, regardless of catchment area. 60% of our students live in the GU postcode area whilst 40% live in the PO postcode region. Every year over 100 of our new Year 7 comes from outside our catchment area and applications are always welcome.
In June 2010 Ofsted made these observations:
"TPS has improved significantly...as a result of a relentless focus on students’ learning and determination to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students.”
"All students, including the most vulnerable, receive outstanding care, guidance and support.”
"An exceptionally high proportion of students now achieve five or more A*- C grades including English and Mathematics.”
In her letter to students, Her Majesty’s Inspector writes:
"Your behaviour around school is exemplary...you make an outstanding contribution to school life.”
I took up post as Headteacher at TPS in 2001. I am delighted that we have reached this highly successful point, but we are not complacent. Our aim now is to move from "Outstanding” to becoming a World Class Academy.
Mr N C Poole FRSA
 | Student: We like the Year 9
practice year in Media as we get to learn all the things we need to; before
actually doing the important coursework in Year 10.
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| Parent: Overwhelmingly grateful for the care and opportunities that our son has received in his time at TPS – no better launch pad for his future could we have had – thank you. | |
| Staff: In Dance we encourage and develop students individualism and develop their ability to demonstrate this physically with confidence | |
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