Classpot

Walker Riverside Academy

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4AWSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
3 Good · 1 Requires improvement
Sep 2024
Progress 8
-0.92
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
265 1st-choice / 219 places
Ranking
#2,988
of 3,141 nationally

About Walker Riverside Academy

Walker Riverside Academy is a mixed 11-18 state secondary in Newcastle upon Tyne that currently serves 1,123 pupils against a capacity of 1,301. The school’s intake is notably disadvantaged: 67.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above both the national average and the local Newcastle upon Tyne average for secondary schools. Despite the available capacity, demand is strong — for the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 428 total applications for 219 places, with 265 first-preference applications and 208 first-preference offers, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.95. This suggests that for many local families, Walker Riverside is a first-choice destination, even with its current Ofsted rating. The school is non-religious and has an official sixth form, so it caters for the full secondary age range under headteacher Gareth Smith.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressWaverdale Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4AW
HeadteacherGareth Smith
Local AuthorityNewcastle upon Tyne
Number of Pupils1,123
Free School Meals (FSM)67.8%
School Capacity1,123 / 1,301 (86% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 53 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, 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

24 Sept 2024
View Report
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.

Source: Ofsted, 10 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Science LabsSwimming PoolICT SuiteTheatrePlaying FieldsArt StudiosTennis CourtsChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

HockeyBadmintonCricketNetballRugbyBasketballMartial ArtsSwimmingFootball

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubDebateArt ClubOrchestraCodingModel United NationsYoung EnterpriseScience ClubDuke of Edinburgh

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

SEND Support

SEN Unit
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionLearning DifficultySEN UnitOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Walker Riverside Academy

Walker Riverside Academy has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.