There are nine teachers of English, of whom some have other areas of responsibility within the School. There are two main English teaching areas, an English office and all English rooms have class libraries and access to the internet. Four English classrooms have ceiling mounted computer projectors connected to interactive whiteboards, Video and DVD.

The Department is committed to mixed ability teaching. At both key stage 3 and 4 the six form groups are divided into eight classes for English, giving group sizes of around 23/24 pupils. In Year 7 there is a dedicated period for Reading.

At key stage 4 and Sixth Form the Department follows the Edexcel syllabus. Classes for at both GCSE level and WJEC at A/S and A2 Level.

Most pupils in Year 11 are entered for English and English Literature at GCSE and the results are always very good, with the majority of pupils achieving C grades or above.

In the Sixth Form, English is a very popular option, usually producing four groups for A/S and three groups for A2 Level English Literature. The pass rate at A-Level is excellent. In the One Year Sixth we offer a re-sit course for GCSE.

Extract from the Ofsted 2004

Provision in English is very good. Subject leadership is very good, and teachers work well as a team. Pupils achieve very well in Years 10 and 11 because of very good teaching. GCSE results are well above average.

Current standards are above average in Year 9. Standards are well above average by Year 11. Pupils are well motivated … give reasoned answers to teachers' questions and make constructive contributions to whole class and small group discussions. They listen very well to teachers and their peers. Pupils with special educational needs make equal progress alongside other pupils in mixed ability classes. Teaching assistants provide effective support.

Teaching is good in Years 7 to 9; very good in Years 10 and 11. Teachers manage pupils very well, and positive relationships are formed. They know their subject well and the best lessons are suitably varied, with a range of methods and resources used to engage pupils actively. As a result, pupils' learning is very good overall during their time in the school. They acquire skills and knowledge well. Most try hard to improve their work.

SIXTH FORM provision in English literature is very good. Teachers know their subject very well and communicate an enthusiasm for literature. Leadership and staff teamwork are very good. Students are well motivated. Their achievement is very good. A-level results were above the national average in 2003. There has been a consistent pattern of 100 per cent success at grades A-E in recent years, but this year some 40 per cent gained the highest grades of A-B. This was a significant improvement. The great majority of students reached or exceeded their target grade in the examination. Results at AS-level were also above average, with over half gaining A and B grades. Again, results were better than in 2002.

Achievement is very good for current students. They contribute well to fluent and mature class discussions, showing high levels of interest in the moral, social and spiritual issues raised in literature studied. Standards in Year 13 coursework are above average. Students take the opportunity to reflect on and revise essays, so that final drafts represent their best work.

Teaching is very good. Lessons are thoroughly prepared and characterised by positive working relationships between staff and students. A range of effective teaching methods is used to create a successful balance between teacher input and student contribution. Above all, teachers know their subject very well, and are able to communicate their own enthusiasm for literature. This clearly enhances students' response to the subject overall.