The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 86% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 35.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- 68% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
35.5
8.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
22%
19.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
42%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
77%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
69%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
15%
Based on 216 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 22 days per year on average — over a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 125 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,123
- Capacity
- 86%
- FSM
- 67.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Trust
- TYNE COAST ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Gareth Smith (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Waverdale Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE6 4AW
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSir Charles Parsons School
Special school · Very close
Tyneview Primary School
Primary · 791m away
Walkergate Community School
Primary · 891m away
Western Community Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Benfield School
Secondary · 1.3km away
Monkchester Road Nursery School
Nursery · 1.5km away
Welbeck Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Welbeck Academy
Primary · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Walker Riverside Academy a selective school?
No. Walker Riverside Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Walker Riverside Academy's Ofsted rating?
Walker Riverside Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in September 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Walker Riverside Academy?
Walker Riverside Academy currently has 1,123 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Walker Riverside Academy take?
Walker Riverside Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Walker Riverside Academy?
Walker Riverside Academy is in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 4AW, in the Newcastle upon Tyne local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Walker Riverside Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Walker Riverside Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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