Benfield School
89%
Capacity
920
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Benfield School
Benfield School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Newcastle upon Tyne community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 920 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,035 places).
Ofsted has rated Benfield School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Anthony Martin, it falls under Newcastle upon Tyne local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.09 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.7. Additionally, ranked 3049th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 11 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Benfield School is a popular choice with families — it received 336 applications for 161 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 61 were first-preference applications.
Benfield School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is below average, with 38% recommending the school (69 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Benfield School include Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Theatre, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Rowing, Martial Arts, Athletics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Book Club, Drama, DofE and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 65.4%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, Benfield School is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Benfield Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4NU |
| Headteacher | Anthony Martin |
| Local Authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Number of Pupils | 920 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 65.4% |
| School Capacity | 920 / 1,035 (89% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 May 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 16 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.09)
3049th of 3,141
Nationally
133rd of 142
In North East
9th of 11
In Newcastle upon Tyne
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
69 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed161
336
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
61 families put this school as their 1st choice (18% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benfield School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Benfield Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4NU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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