Classpot

Outwood Academy Riverside

Middlesbrough, TS1 2ADSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2023
Progress 8
No data
Competition
0.7×
Not oversubscribed
126 1st-choice / 183 places
Ranking
Not ranked

About Outwood Academy Riverside

Outwood Academy Riverside is a secondary school in Middlesbrough that currently serves 690 pupils against a capacity of 1,050, meaning it is operating well below its maximum intake. The school’s free school meal rate stands at 62.9%, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the high levels of deprivation in the local area. Despite this, demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 273 applications for 183 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.49. Of those, 126 were first-preference applications, and all 126 first-preference families were offered a place. This suggests that while the school is popular, it is not yet at the point where it turns away a large number of first-choice applicants. The school is mixed, non-denominational, and caters for pupils aged 11 to 16, with no sixth form or nursery provision. Its headteacher is Melissa Brant-Smith.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
Address100 Russell Street, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AD
HeadteacherMelissa Brant-Smith
Local AuthorityMiddlesbrough
Number of Pupils690
Free School Meals (FSM)62.9%
School Capacity690 / 1,050 (66% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, 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

17 May 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 28 Jun 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Music RoomsLibraryGymnasiumICT SuiteSixth Form CentreTennis CourtsPlaying FieldsSports HallAstro TurfSwimming PoolScience LabsArt Studios

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

GymnasticsNetballBadmintonCross CountryRowingTennisRugbyCricketRoundersAthletics

Clubs & Activities

OrchestraScience ClubModel United NationsNewspaperFilm ClubArt ClubDebate

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Outwood Academy Riverside

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