Whitley Lodge First School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 9
Report card: Strong standard

Woodburn Drive, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Whitley Lodge First School is a primary school in Whitley Bay for ages 3 to 9. It is one of the 83 schools in North Tyneside. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in May 2026.

Ofsted report card

Inspected 12 May 2026, report published 24 June 2026

Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.

Inclusion
Strong standard
Curriculum and teaching
Strong standard
Achievement
Strong standard
Attendance and behaviour
Strong standard
Personal development and wellbeing
Strong standard
Leadership and governance
Strong standard
Early years
Strong standard
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils' happiness, wellbeing and high academic achievement are at the heart of this community school. Pupils feel cared for and well looked after by all staff. As a result, they feel safe and are able to thrive in school. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported to participate fully in school life. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They consistently behave with integrity in lessons and during playtimes. In all year groups, pupils are well mannered and caring. Pupils are adamant that bullying does not happen in their school. If it did, they know they would speak to staff, who will help them. Pupils typically resolve disagreements through discussion, a skill they have learned in lessons. Pupils rise to the staff's very high expectations. They abide by the school’s values and take pride in their work and achievements, for example when they receive a ‘wonder point’ in celebration of their character or hard work. In the early years, children get off to a very positive start. They develop the foundations in reading, writing and number to be successful in later learning. Older pupils further develop their skills such as mathematical fluency and spelling. Pupils are taught to read well and quickly progress to reading more challenging texts. Those who have gaps in their phonics knowledge are supported to catch up quickly. All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or those with SEND, make positive progress from their starting points. This is reflected in the high standards in pupils’ work across the curriculum. The curriculum engages pupils and inspires them to be creative. Pupils value and enjoy the opportunities that they get at school. As a result, pupils, including children in the early years, are motivated to attend well. Pupils are enthusiastic about the broad range of experiences that school provides. They say these experiences help them to remember their learning.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should continue to refine and embed their identified priorities for improvement in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils.

Pupil numbers and mix

250 pupils on roll, with places for 230

Eligible for free school meals5.6%

5.6%, 20.9 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1.2%

1.2%, 20.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support8.4%

8.4%, 6.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.4%

2.4%, 3.6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Whitley Lodge First School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Coquet Park First School0.4 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingNot published
Southridge First School0.5 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Valley Gardens Middle School0.6 milesOfsted judgements: Outstanding72% met the expected standard
Marine Park First School0.9 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Monkseaton Coastal School1 mileOfsted: Good44% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 9
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Jennifer Palmer
Address
Woodburn Drive, Whitley Bay, NE26 3HW
Local authority
North Tyneside
URN
108600

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.