Thropton Village First School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 9
Ofsted: Good

Thropton, Morpeth, NE65 7JDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Thropton Village First School is a primary school in Morpeth for ages 3 to 9. It is one of the 171 schools in Northumberland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 26 September 2017, report published 18 October 2017

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 September 2022

The tranquil, peaceful setting of Thropton Village First school matches the calm, harmonious atmosphere in classrooms and corridors. Forty four pupils and a small staff team, work, learn and play in a warm, welcoming environment. Pupils are happy, they enjoy coming to school and make the most of the safe space that has been created by leaders. Staff have high expectations for pupils. They expect them to behave well, work hard and do well. Pupils respect staff, they listen attentively and demonstrate exemplary manners. Pupils are kind and thoughtful. Being in mixed-aged classes that include three year groups is not a problem. Pupils manage the situation by being independent, patient and tolerant of others. They know at times they might have to wait for adult support. They are supportive of each other; this helps pupils to make the most of their time at school. Pupils have been taught about bullying but find it difficult to imagine that it could happen at their school. They are certain that if bullying did occur, an adult would be there to sort things out. Pupils know that there is always an adult available to talk to if they have a worry or a concern. Pupils are fully involved in the life of the school. House captains and school council members are voted for, enabling pupils to have a voice in school.

What the school should improve

  • In some subjects, the curriculum lacks sufficient detail and structure. This means that pupils may miss out on acquiring crucial knowledge as they move through the school. Leaders should review the curriculum to ensure that the three-year rolling programme enables pupils to revisit and build on their prior learning.
  • The accuracy of teacher assessments for pupils' reading is not precise enough. As a result, some pupils are being asked to read books that do not match their reading knowledge. This leads to pupils' struggling to read with fluency and enjoyment. Leaders should review how reading is assessed and make sure that books are carefully matched to pupils' needs.

Pupil numbers and mix

36 pupils on roll, with places for 50

Eligible for free school meals0%

0%, 26.5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0%

0%, 21.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support25%

25%, 10.2 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan0%

0%, 6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Thropton Village First School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Rothbury First School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingNot published
Dr Thomlinson Church of England Middle School2 milesOfsted: Good77% met the expected standard
Harbottle Church of England First School6 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Whittingham Church of England Primary School6 milesOfsted: Good50% met the expected standard
Swarland Primary School8 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding83% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
CHEVIOT LEARNING TRUST
Age range
3 to 9
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Liam Murtagh
Address
Thropton, Morpeth, NE65 7JD
Local authority
Northumberland
URN
145637

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.