Laygate Community School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Laygate Lane, South Shields, NE33 4JJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Laygate Community School is a primary school in South Shields for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 62 schools in South Tyneside. It ranks 13th of 18 primary schools in South Shields. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2012.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 October 2012, report published 21 November 2012

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2023

Leaders at Laygate emphasise that this is a community school where all families are welcome. Pupils of many different nationalities support one another in their learning. During this inspection, one pupil commented, 'Whenever there is a new person, it is like they have always been here, as we all make friends really quickly.' Many other pupils shared similar views. Leaders are passionate that all pupils have the best possible start to their education. Staff know pupils well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They adapt their teaching to meet pupils' individual needs. The school is a calm place where pupils are well behaved. Pupils follow the clear behaviour routines and live up to the high expectations set by their teachers. Pupils report that bullying rarely happens and if it did, adults would deal with it. In early years, the high level of interaction between staff and children encourages their confidence. Children eagerly take part in forest school sessions. These activities help them to develop social skills while they are exploring nature. Pupils are proud of the responsibilities they have and that they make a difference for the benefit of others. For example, the school council members were involved in creating new play areas, which all now enjoy.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders have implemented an ambitious curriculum. However, in some subjects, such as art and design, the guidance for teachers is less detailed. This means there are some inconsistencies in the curriculum delivery. As a result, some pupils learn less than others. Leaders should ensure that the level of detail in the curriculum plans for all subjects provides teachers with clear guidance on what pupils are expected to learn.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

31 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths65%

65%, 3 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score107

107, 1 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score109

109, 4 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

227 pupils on roll, with places for 294

Eligible for free school meals59.5%

59.5%, 33 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language44.9%

44.9%, 23.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support16.7%

16.7%, 1.9 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.2%

2.2%, 3.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Laygate Community School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Bede's Catholic Primary School, South Shields0.4 milesOfsted: Outstanding77% met the expected standard
Mortimer Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good54% met the expected standard
Stanhope Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Good86% met the expected standard
Ashley Academy0.7 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding45% met the expected standard
Marine Park Primary School0.7 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Miss Michelle Lauder
Address
Laygate Lane, South Shields, NE33 4JJ
Local authority
South Tyneside
URN
108672

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.