In 2007, the school attracted controversy regarding a training programme for call centre operators. The programme was set up in conjunction with EDF Energy which has a call centre in the area. For pupils, successful completion of the course provided half of the credit of a GCSE examination. Local adults were also able to participate. The assistant headteacher, Helen Elderkin, claimed the programme was successful, providing students with "a taste of a real working environment" and helping to build their confidence. However, Howard Brown, Sunderland secretary of the National Union of Teachers, criticized it as "a step too far".[4]
Academy
Serious question were raised about the school's approach to its pupils when it was revealed that they suspended over 50% of their pupils in 2017–2018 against a national average of 2.3%.[5]