Mortimer Community College
96%
Capacity
1,111
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Mortimer Community College
Mortimer Community College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Tyneside community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,111 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,156 places).
Ofsted has rated Mortimer Community College "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Simon Hignett, it falls under South Tyneside local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.53 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 36.6. Additionally, ranked 2640th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 8 in South Tyneside.
Mortimer Community College is a popular choice with families — it received 567 applications for 237 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 295 were first-preference applications.
Mortimer Community College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 78% recommending the school (60 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Mortimer Community College include Art Studios, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Theatre, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Swimming, Cross Country, Rowing and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Model UN, Orchestra, Book Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.4%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Tyneside, Mortimer Community College 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 | Reading Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, NE33 4UG |
| Headteacher | Simon Hignett |
| Local Authority | South Tyneside |
| Number of Pupils | 1,111 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,111 / 1,156 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 2 Apr 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.53)
2640th of 3,141
Nationally
110th of 142
In North East
7th of 8
In South Tyneside
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
60 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed237
567
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
295 families put this school as their 1st choice (52% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortimer Community College
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
Reading Road, South Shields
South Tyneside, NE33 4UG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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