Dryden School
Shotley Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, Gateshead, NE9 5UROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dryden School is a special school in Gateshead for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 92 schools in Gateshead. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 24 June 2015, report published 16 July 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 14 January 2025
Dryden is a truly exceptional place of calm and, above all, learning. Pupils enjoy arriving at school and they attend well. They make excellent progress towards their personal targets. Staff have very high expectations of what pupils can do and what they could achieve in the future. Pupils and students in the sixth form regularly rise to meet these expectations. Pupils receive the help they need to participate in learning, and they behave very well. Staff support them expertly to understand themselves and those around them. Pupils learn increasingly to self-regulate. Their interactions with each other are kind and considerate. Pupils know staff are there to help them whenever they need it. They appreciate this greatly. Pupils' experiences help them to grow in their understanding of the local area and beyond. For example, regular trips to different places of worship and the local swimming pool enrich their lives. Students in the sixth form are central to the life of the school. They contribute greatly to the culture of togetherness that exists, often centred around the weekly café. Older students participate in consistent work experience with local businesses. They enjoy this and it helps them to look towards the future with great ambition.
Pupil numbers and mix
77 pupils on roll
Schools near Dryden School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibside School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Haskel School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Furrowfield School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 5.4 |
| The Cedars Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 0.9 |
| Eslington Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | 6% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Elizabeth Johnson
- Phone
- 01914203812
- Address
- Shotley Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, Gateshead, NE9 5UR
- Local authority
- Gateshead
- URN
- 131200
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.