Monkseaton Coastal School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 June 2026

Pupils are happy at this school. They feel safe and well cared for. They know that staff will work with them to try to solve any problems that they may have. However, pupils do not come to school as often as they should. This means that they miss out on a wide range of opportunities that the school offers. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, receive a range of pastoral support that is well matched to their needs. Leaders secure external support for pupils when this is needed. Pupils generally work hard in their lessons. They typically enjoy learning and behave well in class. However, teachers do not always check that pupils understand what they have been taught. This means that pupils have gaps in their knowledge and do not achieve as well as they should. Pupils treat others with respect. They understand the school rules and believe they are fair. Pupils who need help to improve their behaviour receive this. Some pupils are given leadership positions in school, such as being a class representative. They enjoy this opportunity to be a role model for other pupils. Leaders make sure that pupils are prepared for life in the wider world. They learn about healthy relationships and fundamental British values such as tolerance and democracy. This prepares them for life in modern Britain. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe both online and in the community. Pupils engage in a wide range of opportunities that explore their interests and abilities outside of the classroom. Pupils have access to a range of school clubs, ensuring that pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils can participate in them alongside their peers. Leaders regularly ask pupils what activities they enjoy and adapt the extracurricular offer accordingly. For example, pupils enjoy taking turns to care for the school animals.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should embed recent approaches to improving pupil attendance so that all groups of pupils attend school more often and are able to benefit from all the school has to offer.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers check pupils' learning accurately and regularly. This will enable teachers to quickly identify and address any gaps in pupils' knowledge and/or misconceptions they might have and succeed in their learning.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers deliver the curriculum in all subjects consistently and effectively so that all pupils progress in their learning.
• Leaders should ensure that they identify the school’s areas of weaknesses with precision and accuracy so that they can address them quickly and effectively.
• Governors should assure themselves that they have an accurate oversight of the school’s performance so that they can provide effective challenge and support to leaders.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)