Whittonstall First School

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

Whittonstall, Consett, DH8 9JNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Whittonstall First School is a primary school in Consett for ages 3 to 9. It is one of the 171 schools in Northumberland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 22 November 2022, report published 8 February 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 November 2022

Leaders have created a warm and welcoming ethos at Whittonstall First School. The whole school community is at the centre of the school's vision. Pupils enjoy coming to school every day. They are proud of their work and the friendships they make. Leaders have high expectations and ambitions for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The newly implemented curriculum is helping leaders to achieve these. Pupils feel safe in school. Bullying is rare. Pupils recognise how the adults in school help them to keep safe. In lessons, behaviour is positive. Pupils know and understand how good behaviour helps them learn in lessons. Pupils value opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities. They like the 'buddy' system which links older and younger pupils at breaktimes to build friendships. Parents and carers value the work of the school. One parent, echoing the views of many said, 'Whittonstall First School is such a nurturing, inclusive environment where each child is supported to achieve their full potential.'

What the school should improve

  • The sequences of learning in some foundation subjects are unclear. Pupils are not supported well to know and remember more in these foundation subjects. They cannot build on previous knowledge well. Senior and subject leaders need to match the rigour and sequencing in place for mathematics and history to other foundation subjects and ensure that staff are supported to deliver these subjects more effectively.

Pupil numbers and mix

67 pupils on roll, with places for 55

Eligible for free school meals9%

9%, 17.5 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 support13.4%

13.4%, 1.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.5%

4.5%, 1.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Whittonstall First School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Ebchester CofE Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good67% met the expected standard
Chopwell Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good60% met the expected standard
Shotley Bridge Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good59% met the expected standard
Broomley First School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Mickley First School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
CHEVIOT LEARNING TRUST
Age range
3 to 9
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Katie Jacobs
Address
Whittonstall, Consett, DH8 9JN
Local authority
Northumberland
URN
146949

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.