The school draws its students from a wide geographical area that includes the relatively prosperous wards in the borough as well as some of the most deprived wards in the country: over 40% of the total intake comes from the latter area. The percentage of students speaking a language other than English is well above average, as is the proportion entitled to a free school meal and the proportion of students who have a learning difficulty or disability. The school is involved in the National College for School Leadership, provides extended service and holds the following awards: Investors in People, Sports Mark and Healthy Schools.