Thorp Academy
99%
Capacity
1,496
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Thorp Academy
Thorp Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Gateshead community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,496 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,511 places).
Ofsted has rated Thorp Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joanna Macaulay, it falls under Gateshead local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.12 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1807th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in Gateshead.
Thorp Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 365 applications for 263 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 235 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thorp Academy include Library, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Theatre, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Martial Arts and 3 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Science Club, Chess, DofE and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.4%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Gateshead, Thorp Academy 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Main Road, Ryton, Gateshead, NE40 3AH |
| Headteacher | Joanna Macaulay |
| Local Authority | Gateshead |
| Number of Pupils | 1,496 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 24.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,496 / 1,511 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (19 Jun 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 May 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.12)
1807th of 3,141
Nationally
58th of 142
In North East
4th of 7
In Gateshead
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
35.9
'22/23
31.9
'23/24
31.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed263
365
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
235 families put this school as their 1st choice (64% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thorp Academy
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
Main Road, Ryton
Gateshead, NE40 3AH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
