The school was inspected by Ofsted in November 2007 and received a Grade 1 (outstanding) assessment.[2] In May 2009 the school was described as one of the most successful schools in the country. It was named in the report Data driven school transformation, published by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.[3]
At the beginning of 2011 the status of Norton College was redesignated as Grade 1 in a remote inspection by Ofsted, following a subject inspection in November 2010.[citation needed] In May 2011 the College gained academy status under the multi-school model. The resulting trust is the 'Evolution Schools Learning Trust,' with Norton College retaining its name.[4]
Norton College was given a "room for improvement" rating from Ofsted in 2012 after GCSE and A level results fell dramatically.[citation needed]
The College was inspected in October 2013 and rated Grade 2 (good) in all categories. The inspection team reported that the College had improved in all areas, particularly in GCSE results.[citation needed]
Norton College was also given a short inspection on 20 September 2017 and continued to be good. It is said they have firmly embedded their culture of 'aspire'. This inspection also says that the quality of teaching and learning has improved. Its also reported that work needs to be done to ensure attendance rises. [5]
