The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2018
- The school is at capacity (100% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.0
9.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
60%
18.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
57%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.05
Band 3Source: 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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
90%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 253 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 134 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,721
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 21.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Gateshead
- Trust
- WHICKHAM SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE
- Head
- Mr Fraser Turnbull (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection
May 2023 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Good
February 2018 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2016 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2016 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
October 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Burnthouse Lane, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE16 5AR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFellside Community Primary School
Primary · 315m away
Whickham Parochial Church of England Primary School
Primary · 644m away
Front Street Community Primary School
Primary · 776m away
Clover Hill Community Primary School
Primary · 874m away
Washingwell Community Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Whickham
Primary · 1.2km away
Swalwell Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Kingsmeadow Community School
Secondary · 2.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Whickham School a selective school?
No. Whickham School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Whickham School's Ofsted rating?
Whickham School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Whickham School?
Whickham School currently has 1,721 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Whickham School take?
Whickham School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Whickham School?
Whickham School is in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE16 5AR, in the Gateshead local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Whickham School have a sixth form?
Yes, Whickham School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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