Walbottle Academy
Hexham Road, Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 9TPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Walbottle Academy is a secondary school in Newcastle upon Tyne for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 108 schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. It ranks 7th of 16 secondary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 25 January 2023, report published 13 March 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 25 January 2023
Walbottle Academy has undergone a transformation in recent years. Staff describe the change as 'monumental'. Older students say it 'feels like a different place'. Trust leaders have taken swift and decisive action to bring about rapid improvements across all areas of school life. They have set high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils are rising to this challenge. Pupils are safe and happy here. They feel strongly that pupils treat each other with respect. Pupils explain that bullying is taken very seriously by staff. They feel confident reporting it if it does occur. Leaders ensure that bullying is not a problem at this school. This is now an inclusive community, where pupils feel accepted. Pupils value the new rewards systems that celebrate attendance and academic achievement. They are proud of what they achieve. Leaders have created a positive culture, where success is recognised. Pupils' behaviour around school is orderly and well managed by staff. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive.
What the school should improve
- While on a declining trend, suspensions are still high. Some pupils are still making poor choices. This means that pupils who are suspended are missing out on specialist teaching. Leaders should ensure that the behaviour system improves the behaviour of all pupils, so that suspensions continue to reduce.
- Although attendance is improving, some pupils still do not attend regularly enough. This is particularly true of some pupils with SEND. This absence will inevitably have a negative impact on the education of these pupils. Leaders should ensure that systems to improve attendance continue to reduce persistent absence.
- Some parents feel it is difficult to contact school to share information or discuss concerns. This leads to frustration over not being able to communicate effectively with staff. Leaders should ensure that parents have better avenues to communicate with school.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
319 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
69 students
Average A level grade C, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,722 pupils on roll, with places for 1,885
Schools near Walbottle Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio West | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 30.9 |
| Callerton Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Thorp Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 47.2 |
| Excelsior Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 33.4 |
| St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 51.9 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- NORTHERN EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Richard Harrison
- Phone
- 01912678221
- Address
- Hexham Road, Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 9TP
- Local authority
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- URN
- 148135
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.