Whickham School
100%
Capacity
1,721
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Whickham School
Whickham School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Gateshead community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,721 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,713 places).
Ofsted has rated Whickham School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Fraser Turnbull, it falls under Gateshead local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.26 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 52.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 927th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 7 in Gateshead.
Whickham School is a popular choice with families — it received 661 applications for 280 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 302 were first-preference applications.
Whickham School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 93% recommending the school (233 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Whickham School include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Swimming Pool, Theatre, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Football, Rowing, Basketball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Science Club, Choir, Model UN and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Gateshead, Whickham School 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 | Burnthouse Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, NE16 5AR |
| Headteacher | Fraser Turnbull |
| Local Authority | Gateshead |
| Number of Pupils | 1,721 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,721 / 1,713 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 3 Apr 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.26)
927th of 3,141
Nationally
25th of 142
In North East
2nd of 7
In Gateshead
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
38.2
'22/23
35.4
'23/24
34.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
233 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed280
661
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
302 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whickham School
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
Burnthouse Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Gateshead, NE16 5AR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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