Classpot

Northgate High School

Ipswich, IP4 3DLSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
5 Good
Dec 2024
Progress 8
+0.35
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.4×
Oversubscribed
333 1st-choice / 240 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#742 of 3,141 nationally

About Northgate High School

Northgate High School sits within Suffolk local authority and, based on its Progress 8 score, ranks third among all state secondary schools in the county. That puts it ahead of Copleston High School and Stradbroke High School, though behind Debenham High School, which leads the local pack. In Ipswich specifically, Northgate is ranked first out of six schools, placing it in the top 25 per cent nationally for academic progress. The school is a large, mixed, non-denominational secondary with a sixth form, and it is heavily oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, there were 705 applications for 240 places, with 333 families putting it as their first choice. That level of demand reflects its strong reputation in the area, and the school has held a Good rating from Ofsted across both its most recent inspections, with the latest graded inspection in December 2024 awarding an Outstanding mark for behaviour and attitudes.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressSidegate Lane West, Ipswich, Ipswich, IP4 3DL
HeadteacherRowena Mackie
Local AuthoritySuffolk
Number of Pupils1,709
Free School Meals (FSM)18.1%
School Capacity1,709 / 1,777 (96% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 163 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

3 Dec 2024
View Report
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.

Source: Ofsted, 21 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Science LabsMusic RoomsDining HallSports HallICT SuiteAstro TurfTheatreGymnasiumSwimming PoolPlaying FieldsLibraryChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

DanceRowingMartial ArtsNetballCross CountryAthletics

Clubs & Activities

Young EnterpriseScience ClubEco ClubArt ClubModel United NationsFilm ClubDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Northgate High School

Northgate High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.