Great Park Academy

About Great Park Academy

Great Park Academy is a state secondary school in Newcastle upon Tyne that currently serves 327 pupils against a total capacity of 1,200, meaning it is operating at just over a quarter of its potential size. This significant under-occupancy is unusual for a secondary school and suggests the school has considerable room to grow. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 9.8%, which is notably lower than the national average for secondary schools in England, typically around 20-25%, indicating the school draws from a relatively less disadvantaged catchment. The school is mixed-gender, non-denominational, and caters for pupils aged 9 to 16, with no sixth form provision. Headteacher Pete Fox leads the school, which was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024. The school's admission arrangements are not oversubscribed based on the current pupil numbers, which may appeal to families seeking a less pressured entry process.

In its 2024 Ofsted inspection, Great Park Academy received an overall effectiveness rating of Good, with two areas judged Outstanding: personal development, and behaviour and attitudes. The quality of education and leadership and management were both rated Good. This is a strong inspection outcome, particularly the Outstanding marks for behaviour and personal development, which suggest a school where pupils conduct themselves well and benefit from a broad character education. The school does not have published Progress 8 or Attainment 8 data in the available information, so direct academic comparison with the local authority average of -0.4 for Progress 8 is not possible. However, the Ofsted report noted that the school provides a good quality of education, and the Outstanding behaviour rating implies a positive learning environment. The school's facilities include science labs, a library, music rooms, and a theatre, supporting a broad curriculum.

The school offers a wide range of facilities including a swimming pool, sports hall, astro turf, tennis courts, and a sixth form centre, despite not having a sixth form itself. Sports on offer include football, rugby, rowing, and gymnastics, while clubs range from Eco Club and Science Club to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and a school newspaper. For pupils with special educational needs, the school provides support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, visual impairment, and autistic spectrum disorder. Given its current low occupancy, the school may be particularly suitable for families who prefer a smaller, less crowded secondary environment, or those moving into the area mid-year who need a guaranteed place. The strong Ofsted behaviour rating also makes it a good fit for parents prioritising a calm and orderly school culture.

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