How to read these tables

GENERAL

These tables list secondary schools in the local education authority (LEA) area, including:

LEA-maintained schools;

grant-maintained schools;

City Technology Colleges; and

independent schools.

Schools which are not special schools are listed first in alphabetical order. Next is a list of any special schools in the area. The final section lists any school sixth form centres or consortia which operate in the area.

WHAT BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS INCLUDED

The tables give the following details for each school:

address and telephone number;

what type of school it is (independent schools participating in the Assisted Places Scheme, which offers help to parents in meeting school fees, are identified by a symbol next to the school type);

admissions policy (selective, comprehensive, modern, non-selective or, for special schools, not applicable);

whether the school is for girls, boys or both; and

the main age range.

In some cases symbols such as , which are explained in Abbreviations and their meanings, provide further information about particular schools.

Special Schools

Children who need more specialised teaching and facilities may go to special schools. If there are any special schools in the area they are listed separately in alphabetical order.

Sixth form centres and consortia

In some areas, perhaps to pool resources and offer a wider range of post-16 courses to students, some schools co-operate together in a group known as a sixth form centre or consortium. The particular approach may vary. For example, all students from schools involved in a consortium might study science at one school and languages at another, or a group of schools might choose to put their resources together so that sixth form teachers and students have a separate building. Where schools are known to be part of a sixth form centre or consortium a symbol will appear in these tables next to the age range of the school. The centre or consortium will also be named and its results shown separately at the end of the tables, together with the names of the participating schools.

School particulars

The final columns provide further information about the schools which parents might find useful. They show:

the total number of pupils of all ages on the school register on 18 January 1996;

the number of pupils aged 16 and over. This gives an indication of the size of a school's sixth form;

the total number of pupils with statements of special educational needs. These statements describe any learning difficulties which pupils have, and specify the extra help or equipment which they need. Around 2% to 3% of school pupils nationally have statements;

the total number of pupils with special needs, but without statements. These are other pupils registered as having special educational needs but whose schools meet the pupils' needs without a statement.

If a school has a large proportion of pupils with special needs, its examination results may appear lower than expected.

Sources of figures

GCSE, GCE A/AS level and IB Diploma results came from the examining bodies concerned, and were checked with schools. Results for vocational courses were provided by the schools. Information about authorised and unauthorised absences was provided and checked by schools. Background information (such as the school name and address) was also checked by schools. If a school did not confirm that it had checked its examination results and/or background information, the initials 'E' or 'B' (or both) appear after the age range of the school.

There may be minor inconsistencies in the numbers given for some schools in the various 'pupil numbers' columns. This is because they have been worked out in different ways and serve different purposes.