We are a popular rural and mixed 11-16 Technology College, becoming a Converter Academy in August 2011. There are around 600 students on roll and as a result of parental choice being exercised we take from a wide geographical area.

The college is situated in Alford, a small market town at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds about 7 miles from the coast and approximately 35 miles from Lincoln. It draws young people from over 15 primary schools mostly from a rural location. It is an excellent centre for education with facilities for pre-school children and with a Grammar School in the town. In the locality there is a wide choice of post 16 learning opportunities.

The college, originally built in the 1930’s has enjoyed extensive remodelling over the years and a focussed refurbishment programme ensures that it is attractive and contemporary. There is a purpose built classroom block for English, a learning resource centre and learning support area. Students benefit from sports fields, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a Technology wing and a purpose built Performing Arts Centre. There is a spacious, well equipped sports hall that also serves the local community.

The college is a warm and friendly place to work where discipline is firm but fair and where we receive outstanding support from parents. The staff here work and play hard and have focussed efforts on academic rigour, establishing high expectations of students and providing an extensive range of additional activities that have had a significant effect in raising attainment in national tests and at GCSE level over the past few years.

We are an ‘Outstanding School’ - Ofsted March 2010. As part of our report our overall effectiveness and capacity to improve was graded 1 – within this key area leadership and management of teaching and learning; and pupils’ learning and progress and behaviour were judged outstanding. Many other areas were also judged outstanding.

In July 2007 we achieved the National Healthy Schools Award. In 2009 we were proud to receive the International Schools Award.

The College has a pro-active approach to curriculum innovation, development and review. In Year 7 and Year 8 students are involved in the Opening Minds programme to develop their learning skills and to raise aspiration and achievement. Our policy and implementation for More Able and Talented students raises and celebrates the high expectations we hold for our students here. We have a commitment to developing our students talents in all areas. Our commitment to the arts was rewarded in summer
2010 when we were awarded Arts Mark Silver.

At key stage 4 a wide range of GCSE, BTEC and other vocational courses are offered; applied learning programmes are in place for a small group of students in Years 10 and 11. OCR Nationals in ICT and BTEC Engineering, Science, PE and Child Development are recent innovative curriculum developments.

We introduce cultural diversity through organised college visitors and displays, trips and visits and extra curricular activity. Our House system endorses the importance placed on community cohesion.

We have addressed workforce remodelling issues so that teachers are focussed on leading learning and where increasing numbers of learning support assistants and administrative support allows creative and innovative approaches to learning from each teaching and learning team.

As one parent wrote: “My child is making good academic progress but just as importantly he has grown in self confidence and self belief. I believe the college genuinely cares about individuals, valuing all their talents and achievements.”

In August 2011 we converted to academy status. In March 2010 the college was judged Outstanding by Ofsted and hence our conversion was a smooth one. As the college was already successful our ethos and values did not change.

We welcome and value your interest in us.