Hexham First School

About Hexham First School

Hexham First School is a small state primary for children aged 3 to 9, currently operating well below its capacity of 150 with just 82 pupils on roll. That spare capacity is not a sign of low demand, however. For the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 19 applications for just 9 available places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.11. All 9 first-preference applicants were offered a spot, but the numbers suggest a competitive entry for anyone not living in the immediate catchment. The school’s intake reflects a notably high level of disadvantage: 32.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is roughly double the national average for primary schools. In the Northumberland local authority, where only 9 out of 127 primary schools are rated Outstanding, Hexham First School holds a Good rating from its most recent graded inspection in 2012, confirmed as remaining Good in an ungraded visit in 2022. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, with a nursery provision attached.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted report (from 2012) rated leadership and management as Outstanding, while overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development were all judged Good. The early years provision was also rated Good at that time. The 2022 ungraded inspection confirmed the school continues to deliver a Good standard of education. For context, the local authority average for Key Stage 2 attainment sits at 56, though Hexham First School’s own KS2 results are not available in the current data. The school’s curriculum is supported by a range of facilities including a Forest School, sensory room, art studios, and an ICT suite, and pupils can take part in sports such as athletics, football, swimming, and tennis. Clubs include film, eco, coding, and gardening, which suggests a broad enrichment offer despite the small roll.

For families considering Hexham First School, the practical picture is one of a tight-knit, well-resourced setting that is clearly popular locally. The school’s SEND provisions cover specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, speech, language and communication needs, social, emotional and mental health support, and autistic spectrum disorder, making it a viable option for children with a range of additional needs. The presence of a chapel on site is unusual for a non-religious state school and may reflect the building’s history. With a nursery on site, it can serve families from age 3 through to Year 4, after which children would typically move to a middle school. Given the oversubscription, parents should apply early and consider catchment priorities. This is a school that suits families who value small class sizes, outdoor learning, and a strong pastoral framework, and who are comfortable with a high proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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