Simonside Primary School
About Simonside Primary School
Simonside Primary School in South Tyneside is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 11, and its intake tells a distinct story. The school has a capacity of 420 but currently houses just 222 pupils, meaning it is running at just over half its potential size. That under-occupancy is notable given the local demand: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 40 applications for 24 places, with 15 of those coming as first preferences, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.67. The pupil body is also significantly more disadvantaged than the national average, with 51.8% of children eligible for free school meals — a figure that places the school well above typical levels and suggests it serves a community with considerable socioeconomic need. The headteacher is Donna Scott, and the school has no religious character.
Key Details
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 EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Nov 2023Source: Ofsted, 21 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:45 – 15:25
Breakfast club
07:30-08:45
Source: simonsideprimary.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
Was this page helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions About Simonside Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights