Northgate High School
96%
Capacity
1,709
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Northgate High School
Northgate High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Ipswich community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,709 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,777 places).
Ofsted has rated Northgate High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rowena Mackie, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.35 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 51.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 742nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 6 in Ipswich.
Northgate High School is a popular choice with families — it received 705 applications for 240 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 333 were first-preference applications.
Northgate High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 94% recommending the school (163 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Northgate High School include Science Labs, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Theatre, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Library, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Rowing, Martial Arts, Netball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Science Club, Eco Club, Art Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.1%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Ipswich, Northgate High School is one of the options available in the East of England 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich, Ipswich, IP4 3DL |
| Headteacher | Rowena Mackie |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 1,709 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,709 / 1,777 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.35)
742nd of 3,141
Nationally
79th of 350
In East of England
1st of 6
In Ipswich
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
35.1
'22/23
34.3
'23/24
30.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
163 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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed240
705
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
333 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northgate High 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
Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich
Ipswich, IP4 3DL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Northgate High School!
Write a Review