Ages 
Some schools are all about the window-dressing, this one isn’t. In fact window-dressing is something on which it could do better, but that may well be a funding issue and therefore low on the priority list. Crucially, it would appear to be getting all the important things right: results very good and rising, plenty of sport, art, music and other activities all wrapped up with high quality care and teaching – 'exemplary,' in fact, say parents.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,287 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 373 ·
- Local authority
- Northumberland Council
Headteacher
Head of School
Neil Seaton/Graeme Atkins (exec head)
Since 2021, Neil Seaton MA MEd PGCE, previously deputy head pastoral at George Heriot's School, Edinburgh. Mr Seaton's academic and teaching career in history and modern studies - a blend of political, social and economic issues - has taken place
Entrance
Based on LA catchment criteria. The best and most obvious route in is via one of the three feeder middle schools: its own partner school in Hexham plus St Joseph’s and Corbridge. Lots of work done on transition, so pupils coming into year 9 are
- Open days
- September and October
Exit
Around 40 per cent leave after GCSEs. Majority of students go on to higher education with a few to Oxbridge each year: four to Oxford in 2023 and six medics. Universities in the north east top the list of favourites here with Newcastle, Durham and
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 37 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. At A level, 34 per cent A*/A (61 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 74 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths at GCSE; 31 per cent graded 9-7. At A level, 34 per cent A*/A (64 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
At A level, 32 subjects on offer; four languages, four sciences, three art courses and a range of humanities, social sciences and performing arts courses at GCSE and A level; GCSEs include child development and electronics; other vocational courses
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Not selective, and SEND support covers a range of needs. Subject teachers are responsible for providing a differentiated curriculum (supported by the SEND team), using LSAs to support in the classroom as required. SENDCo has an open and flexible
Arts & extracurricular
Wide choice of extracurricular activities - everything from DofE, music and theatre to popular and active Fair Trade club; worth also seeking out the Brazilian drumming group, rock band workshop and young writers’ club. Heaps of social and sporting
Sport
Good range of sports for all abilities - particularly strong on netball, football and rugby - the latter fixtures mostly against local independent schools. Sports hall, playing fields, Astroturf, cricket nets, tennis and a fitness room all on site.
Ethos & heritage
The haunt of marauding Vikings 1,300 years ago, nowadays this Northumberland gem proudly holds the title of England’s favourite market town – as voted by Country Life magazine. Hexham Abbey is at the hub of its winding streets, now awash with
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Co-operative and friendly atmosphere, parents 'especially impressed by the level of support received by pupils around exam time'. Much praise for the home-school communication system; parents feel well informed and can check at any time on
Pupils & parents
A mix of rural, semi-rural and professionals, many of whom work in the hospitals and academia of Newcastle; their advice is to 'support the school and trust the teachers'. Most do, as 90 per cent attendance at parents’ evening is the norm here –
The last word
Some schools are all about the window-dressing, this one isn’t. In fact window-dressing is something on which it could do better, but that may well be a funding issue and therefore low on the priority list. Crucially, it would appear to be getting
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
