Derby school flips the script on pupil outcomes

Too often, pupils' futures are predetermined by postcode. The most disadvantaged pupils are more likely to get lower grades, fewer choices and limited futures compared to their peers. But at Landau Forte College in Derby, they are flipping the script on pupil outcomes.

The challenge

Some pupils face barriers that last for years, experiencing longer-term disadvantage — which we define as a child that has been eligible for free school meals for most of their school life (80% or more). We call this persistent disadvantage.

Statistically, not passing GCSE English and maths is the norm for these pupils. One in four will not be studying towards a substantial qualification (equivalent to at least one GCSE) or apprenticeship after they leave secondary school.

In Derby, the average GCSE English and maths grade for pupils facing persistent disadvantage is even lower than the national average, while the average for non-disadvantaged pupils sits far above it.

This is not fair. But this is not inevitable.

At Teach First, we know the greatest impact can be made through additional support for pupils facing persistent disadvantage.

When resources are given to great teachers and brilliant leaders, we can flip the script.

A school that's defying expectations

At Landau Forte College in Derby, outcomes are different for these pupils.

Landau Forte's pupil make-up is diverse: over a third face disadvantage, and the proportion speaking English as an additional language is just below the national average of 19.2%.

Headteacher Alison Brannick has a strong track record of school improvement and specialises in removing barriers to achievement for all pupils. The school's latest Ofsted report, in March 2024, recorded 'Outstanding' performance in all areas.

We are proud that those facing the toughest circumstances are able to achieve just as highly as their peers.

"Thanks to the collective effort of the whole school community."

Here, pupils facing persistent disadvantage are keeping up with their peers. In some cases, they are closing the gap completely.

These pupils achieve excellent outcomes compared to pupils both nationally and locally, with average attainment in English and maths GCSE securing a strong pass.

For non-disadvantaged pupils at the school, this is 5.46 — showing a much smaller gap within the school than we see in national averages.

Strong leadership and ambitious expectations

The school's latest Ofsted report demonstrates the importance of leadership to their success:

"Leaders always seek the views of stakeholders. This engagement is meaningful and regular. Leaders are insistent on making continuous improvement even when they know the school performs exceptionally well.

This is rooted in the school's ethos and moral purpose of providing the best for the children of Derby. This determination and drive does not undermine the workload and wellbeing of staff. As a result, staff are passionate about working here.

Teachers receive high-quality bespoke weekly professional development. They use this to strengthen their own subject knowledge. Teachers have become highly effective at presenting information to pupils.

They consistently use effective methods to teach and assess. This helps pupils to learn the curriculum and achieve in all subjects."

The Ofsted report also details the way the school supports pupils to achieve their best:

Pupils thrive at this school.

"Not only do they get an exceptional high-quality academic education, but they build strength of character that will help them overcome challenges they might face in later life.

Pupils become braver here. Their social confidence develops. They show tenacity, modesty, empathy and manners.

Pupils enjoy their time at this school and show highly positive attitudes to learning. This is not by luck. It is accomplished through a carefully designed and deliberate strategy better known as 'Best me'."

The school is highly ambitious for every pupil.

"Staff hold pupils to account and have the highest expectations of each pupil. This ensures that pupils achieve incredibly well.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils receive everything they need to be successful here."

The wider picture

At Landau Forte, high expectations are the norm. No pupil is written off.

We are committed to breaking down barriers so that every pupil can learn, grow and thrive.

- Alison Brannick, Principal

The school's GCSE results show that with the right support, we can work together to rewrite the future for the most disadvantaged pupils.

Change is possible.