Walker Riverside Academy
86%
Capacity
1,123
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Walker Riverside Academy
Walker Riverside Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Newcastle upon Tyne community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,123 pupils on roll and is well-filled (86% of 1,301 places).
Ofsted has rated Walker Riverside Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Gareth Smith, it falls under Newcastle upon Tyne local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.92 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.0. Additionally, ranked 2988th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 11 in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Walker Riverside Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 428 applications for 219 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 265 were first-preference applications.
Walker Riverside Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 83% recommending the school (53 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 Walker Riverside Academy include Science Labs, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Theatre, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Badminton, Cricket, Netball and 5 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Debate, Art Club, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 67.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, Walker Riverside 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 | Waverdale Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4AW |
| Headteacher | Gareth Smith |
| Local Authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Number of Pupils | 1,123 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 67.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,123 / 1,301 (86% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 10 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.92)
2988th of 3,141
Nationally
126th of 142
In North East
8th of 11
In Newcastle upon Tyne
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less 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.
Ofsted Parent View
53 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
SEN UnitSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed219
428
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
265 families put this school as their 1st choice (62% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walker Riverside 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
Waverdale Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4AW
Waverdale Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4AW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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