English is one of the three core subjects of the National Curriculum. In Years 7 students are taught in mixed ability groups with support from Special Needs and Learning Support Assistants where required. In Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 students are setted. Setting varies from year to year and indeed from one band to another within a year group according to the requirements of students. The emphasis in Years 10 and 11 particularly is on maximum achievement at all ability levels and grouping will reflect this.
The National Literacy Strategy is followed in KS3. Students who did not achieve Level 4 at KS2 have extra support and sit "catch-up" tests at the end of the year.
All Year 9 students sit the SATs examination. All Year 11 students sit GCSE OCR English and, depending on ability and commitment, OCR English Literature.
In Years 12 and 13 students may follow the Edexcel AS and A Level Literature Course and/or English courses.
Media has been introduced as a GCSE subject. It is hoped to extend this into Pos 16 in 2007. Film Studies is already an established A level.
