| Motto | High Achievers |
|---|---|
| Established | 1921 1973 (as Gosforth High School) |
| Type | Comprehensive Sixth form |
| Religion | Non-denominational |
| Principal | Hugh Robinson |
| Chairman | Prof Michael Goodfellow |
| Specialism | Language College |
| Location | Great North Road Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE3 2JH England |
| Local authority | Newcastle upon Tyne (391) |
| DfE URN | 108523 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Students | 1716 (650 in 6th form)[1] |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 13–18[2] |
| Colours | Navy Blue, Gold. |
| Junior High Academy | Gosforth Junior High Academy |
| Post-16 College | Gosforth Academy Sixth Form College |
| Community College | Gosforth Community Education College |
| Website | Gosforth Academy Official website |
Gosforth Academy (formerly Gosforth High School) is an English secondary school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. As well as having a sixth form department it is a specialist Language College. Many of its mainstream students come from three large feeder middle schools: Gosforth Central Middle School, Gosforth East Middle School and Gosforth Junior High Academy (formerly Gosforth West Middle School).
It also houses a large sixth form college, where the majority of the lower school students continue their studies. There is a Special education centre within the school to aid students who need it. The school houses 'Gosforth Community Education',[3] which provides courses for adults within the local community. The school is also a regional centre for young people with visual impairment.[4][5]
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The school was originally founded in 1973 through the merger of two local comprehensive schools with Gosforth Grammar School.
In 1921 Gosforth Secondary School opened.[6] The first permanent buildings were built in the late 1920s. The site was on the opposite side of the Great North Road, to the current site.[6]
Due to the Education Act 1944 the school became Gosforth Grammar School in 1944.[6] In the early 1960s the current site of the School began to be used.[6]
In 1973 the local council adopted the three-tier education system. Following this, the Grammar school was combined with Gosforth County Secondary School and Gosforth East County Secondary School, and Gosforth High School was born. The high school moved permanently to the 1960s site.
The site on which Gosforth Grammar stood is now used by Gosforth Central Middle School.[7] The Grammar School building was used by Central Middle, until it was replaced in 2004.
Between 2000 and 2002 the school buildings were renovated, and the new facilities were opened by the Prime Minister Tony Blair on 29 November 2002.[8][9] This visit took place at the time of strike action by firefighters, who jeered Blair outside the school, gaining media attention. This new building cost a total of £9 million, of which £6.3 million came from a government grant, "New Deal for Schools", £1.85 million from "Newcastle Great Park" and £800,000 from Newcastle City Council. After the completion of the new buildings, which bear a striking resemblance to airport architecture, the old 'West Wing' was demolished in 2004.
The current head teacher, Hugh Robinson, started at the school in 2003. Keith Nancekievill left the school to take up the head teachers post at Hinchingbrooke School, Cambridgeshire, in February 2003 after being head at Gosforth for 15 years.
Footballer and former pupil Alan Shearer donated £10,000 to the school in 2006 from the proceeds of several testimonial events held to honour his ten years playing for Newcastle United.[10]
In September 2006, a new discipline system was introduced, known as the 'PRAISE Code' (Perform, Reward, Achieve, Inspire, Succeed, Excel).[11] Its aim is to reward students, with stamps for example.
In September 2006, Gosforth High took over the administration duties of Gosforth West Middle School, in a Federation style agreement.[12] The Federation came into action on 1 January 2007 and Gosforth West was later renamed Gosforth Junior High School after the 2007 Easter break. The Junior School building is to be replaced with a new building.
By 2011 the high school had become an academy, known as Gosforth Academy along with the Junior School, now Gosforth Junior High Academy.
The academy is a designated ambassador school for the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth,[13] in addition to becoming a beacon school in 2001. Gosforth Academy is currently the only school with DFES "Training School" status in Newcastle and has been a specialist Language College since 1996. In 1999, the school gained Investors in People accreditation. Gosforth Academy has also been awarded many other awards in the past.
In 2008 at the first gathering of the High Performing Schools group, Gosforth High School was recognised as being ranked in the top 10% of schools nationally and the highest performing school in Newcastle.[14] In March 2008, Ofsted inspected the school and rated it 'outstanding'.[2] Coupled with the improved 2008 exam results the school has been classified as a high performing specialist school for the next four years.[15]
Gosforth Academy is currently recognised as the best co-educational school in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The school's emblem has 3 main parts: the tree of growth and knowledge, the badge of Newcastle city and the Northumberland coat of arms. For a period of time the school's motto had been "High Achievers".
Mainstream students have a coloured ring around the logo on their uniforms. This helps identify individuals into which year group they are. The colour of the ring is either pale blue, red, gold yellow (Junior High) or dark green. Students have the same colour ring from years 9 to 11, when they leave after year 11 the colour is passed down to the new year 9 students. As of September 2011; Year 9 have a red ring, Year 10 have a blue ring, and Year 11 have a green ring.
Sixth Form students currently have no formal school uniform, however they must wear a school I.D. badge at all times when on school property aimed at preventing unauthorised persons entering the school. The I.D badge scheme has been hailed as a success as it has dramatically improved security within the school. Visitors are required to report to the main reception area, where they receive an official label, for security reasons.
Mainstream students (Year 9, Year 10 & Year 11) must wear the school's uniform. The uniform for students attending consists of (first three with school logo on):-
Specialist equipment is required for some subjects, such as:-
When doing P.E. lessons, students must wear:-
For boys
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For girls
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Gosforth Academy has a wide range of quality of facilities. Some areas are in desperate need of modernisation whilst some are up-to-date. Much of the original 1960s building of the then High School no longer exists.
Gosforth Academy's present building is actually 2 buildings; one building has 2 floors and the other 3 and a half floors (the half being a Mezzanine Level which is currently used as an art gallery and a computer suite). This difference in buildings can be clearly seen when you are crossing between the two via stairs. The room numbers for the bottom floor begin with a zero; the middle floor room numbers begin with a one; and the top floor room numbers begin with two.
The 2002 building cost a total of £9 million. Companies that assisted with the construction of the 2002 building included Newcastle City Design Department, Multicare[16] and Desco. Desco handled the Mechanical and Electrical services for Phase 3, costing £3 million.[17] The school is also part of the "Building Schools for the Future" Initiative.[18]
In 2009 plans to extend the back of the school with a new sports hall were accepted. Building commenced soon after, and was unaffected by the change in the Building Schools for the Future policy. A multi-million pound gym full of p.e. equipment was built ready for use by September 2011. This is accompanied by a 9-court sports hall.
The school has:
The school also has facilities for young people with visual impairment. The two libraries are the Cousins Library, a new library which opened on 8 September 2008 a library for years 9, 10 and 11, and the Old Library, known as the Learning Resource Centre or LRC for sixth form.
The school is able to teach many languages; their mainstream teaching for Modern European languages is concentrated in French, German, Italian and Spanish.
In 2008 the School Kitchen was awarded 4-stars after an inspection under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.[18]
There are over 50 computers in total in the libraries and 12 dedicated computer rooms. Most of the classrooms have interactive whiteboards (most of which are Promethean ACTIVboards). A combination of wired and wireless networks allowing teachers to use their laptops anywhere.
The register in the school is taken via computer, using a Student information system, called SIMS.net, which uses the main PC system. The school also utilises a Virtual learning environment, under the Frog platform.[19] The school's current computer workstations are Dell Optiplex 740s.
In the past the school had used a Bromcom hand-held student information system for taking register and had computer workstations provided by Elonex Systems.
In contrast to the rest of the facilities, excluding the English department, the sports department is the oldest part of the current school and is in need of modernisation. The gym, indoor sports courts and weight training room all have roofs that leak, which in turn sometimes prevents them being used if the weather has been bad. The indoor sports courts have earned the nickname "The Shed" by students and teachers alike in the school; "The Shed" was demolished by February 2010.
The school have been planning to replace the existing indoor sports courts with a modern sports facility for many years.[20][21] Some of the plans were to have 8 new sports courts within the new building and provision for "all-weather pitches".[22] The current building work is for the "erection of 2 storey sports hall, activities suite and classroom extension to south and west elevation to existing school; creation of synthetic turf pitch with associated fencing, and 6 x 15m high lighting columns and landscape works to east of existing school buildings and formation of 35 space car park to southern boundary of site". This application was submitted on 25 November 2008 by AURA Ltd, a local education partnership company in which the council has a 10% share, and was conditionally granted on 5 March 2009. Building work by contractors Sir Robert McAlpine commenced late in the summer of 2009, on the all-weather pitch, and it is estimated that the all the new sports facilities will be completed by Summer 2011. The synthetic turf pitch was first used on 2 December 2009, and is available for lettings out of school hours.[23] In total the new facilities will be a 6 court Sports Hall, new changing rooms, a Fitness Suite, a Climbing wall, a master classroom and a large flexible learning space.
The Sport@Gosforth building was officially opened by former students Alan Shearer and Kathryn Tickell on 3 October 2011.[24]
The Newcastle Falcons rugby team and their Academy have linked up with the School in an apprenticeship scheme; in 2007 eight students joined the rugby academy for two years.[25][26]
Rated as one of the best 6th form colleges in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, Gosforth Academy's Sixth Form College offers a larger array of subjects (46 as of 2008) which its students can study. Not only can students study traditional AS and A-Level subjects, but the 6th form also offers newer qualifications such as BTEC First Diplomas, BTEC National Certificates and GCSE re-sits.
The post-16 environment in Gosforth Academy is directed and headed by Karen Blackburn (Director of post-16). She is backed by an Assistant Director, Steve Evans, a team of 3 Learning Managers a team of 8 Tutors who are responsible for the well-being of the students and an Administrator who oversees the post-16 administration.
Every student within the post-16 college is assigned to a personal tutor. The tutor is responsible for the student's well-being throughout the duration of their post-16 education. They assist with university applications or advise and guide the student in making an educated decision on career choices once they leave the college.
Students must attend a weekly meeting with their tutor, either in private meetings or in a classroom setting. This weekly meeting is aimed at ensuring the Tutors are fully aware of the progression each student makes on a personal basis. It allows the tutor to get to know the student and allows them to prepare references for jobs and university applications to the highest standard. It is also a time where Tutors can help students with any issues they are having, including UCAS applications.
Besides the guidance offered by the personal tutors, Gosforth High School 6th Form College also offers independent advice from the careers advisor. The role of the careers advisor is to offer non biased advice on career paths after 6th form education, be it direct employment, university advice or advise on apprenticeships. The careers advisor is also assisted by Connexions Direct, a government funded scheme aimed at offering information and support to young people.
Gosforth Academy is located on Knightsbridge, connecting to a section of the Great North Road in the Parklands electoral ward. The school is opposite the Asda Gosforth superstore (formerly a multi-use Stadium) and near to the Regent Centre business complex. Between the school and Regent Centre Metro Station there is a modern apartment block (formerly a Territorial Army centre) and on the other side of the front field there are a set of shops, including a Jet (former BP) petrol station.
Many students use the local metro and bus systems to travel to the school, due to the proximity of Regent Centre transport Interchange to the school. The school field also runs parallel to the metro line, including a short platform used for reversing the direction of Metro trains going out of service. The edge of the back field, next to the 'West Wing' is the location of Grange First School.
Gosforth Federated schools are currently run by the Principal who is in charge of all of the four schools with in the federation (GA, GJHA, Gosforth High Sixth Form College and Gosforth High Community Education College). On the SMT there are the Principal, 1 vice Principal, 2 Deputy Head teachers and several Assistant Heads, each member of the SMT hold director positions including director of performance and director of main school. The Junior Academy is run on a day to day basis by the Director of Junior Academy, Main School (Years 9, 10 and 11) is run by the Director of Main School and 2 Assistant Directors, the Sixth Form College is run by the Director of Post-16 and one assistant Director and the Community education College is run by the Director of Community Education. All schools within the federation however are run by the head of the federation, the principal, who therefore has overall control and is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of all schools within the federation.
In June 2008, Simon Richards (Deputy Head and Director of Curriculum) was seconded to Ofsted for at least 1 year. Allon Welsh (previously Assistant Head and Director of Post-16) was appointed in Simon Richards place as Director of Curriculum and Deputy Head. Steve Evans was promoted from Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher) to Director of Post-16 (Assistant Headteacher) in order to take over from Allon Welsh. Furthermore, Anne Walton (previously Learning Manager to Post-16) took over from Steve Evans as Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher). There is possibility that the old structure will revert back upon Simon Richards' return.
The senior staff as of Summer 2010 comprised:
| Role | Staff member |
|---|---|
| Principal | Hugh Robinson |
| Vice principal | Kathryn Thomas |
| Director of Curriculum | Allon Welsh |
| Director of Post-16 | Karen Blackburn |
| Director of Main School | Don Harrison |
| Director of Junior School | David Sheppard |
| Director of Communication & Specialist Status | Chris Duckett |
| Director of Financial & Support Services | Christine Edwardson |
| Director of Human Resources | Corrine Raybould |
| Director of Performance | Joanne Lowther |
This list includes only key staff members, please visit the Parents Handbook PDF on the Gosforth Academy website for additional staff listings.
The GCSE (5A*-C including Maths & English) and A-Level results score by year for 2005 to 2011 are listed below:[27]
| Year | GCSE score and comparison to local schools (%) | A-Level score |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 54 (33.2) | - |
| 2006 | 56 (33.3) | 736.6 |
| 2007 | 64 (38) | 739.6 |
| 2008 | 59 (39) | 739.1 |
| 2009 | 59 | |
| 2010 | 69 | |
| 2011 | 71 |
In 2008, Gosforth High School was rated as outstanding by Ofsted.[28] Ofsted noted that students of all backgrounds often make outstanding progress in all aspects of their development due to exceptional care and support. Guidance at key points in their school career and with health, social or personal problems is very good, and the academic is excellent. The management and leadership and are outstanding, and the school has made very good progress since its last inspection. There are exceptional opportunities at the sixth form, which is one of the largest in the area. The behaviour within the school, both in and out of class is excellent, which creates a safe environment. Students by the end of Key Stage 4 achieve well and reach high standards, and overall the teaching at the school is usually good and in some lessons it is inspirational.
There are three middle schools in Gosforth, one of which is federated with the Academy (High School), that act as feeder schools to the Academy (High School):
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Derek Chinnery | Controller of BBC Radio 1 from 1978–85. |
| Noel Forster | Artist.[29] |
| Carol Galley | Businesswoman, worth over £80 million.[30] |
| Prof Russell Hindmarsh | Professor of Atomic Physics at Newcastle University from 1961–73.[31] |
| Robert Sherlaw Johnson | composer, pianist and music scholar.[32] |
| David Knopfler | Dire Straits guitarist, singer and songwriter.[33] |
| Mark Knopfler | Guitarist and lead singer of Dire Straits.[34] |
| Prof Arthur Jones CBE | Principal of the Royal Agricultural College from 1990–7, and of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture from 1986–90. |
| Prof Edward Potts | Professor of Mining at Newcastle University from 1951–80. |
| Sir William Ryland CB | Chairman of the Post Office Corporation from 1970–77, and Chief Executive from 1969–70. |
| Anthony Thomson | Co-founder of Metro Bank UK.[35] |
| Prof Michael Yeoman | Regius Professor of Botany from 1978–93 at the University of Edinburgh. |
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Donna Air | Actress and television presenter.[36] |
| Martin Bare | Solicitor. |
| Michelle Bass | Reality TV star in Big Brother 5 UK.[37] |
| Michael Chopra | Centre forward for Ipswich Town F.C.[38] |
| Robbie Elliott | Retired footballer, who notably played for Newcastle United, and currently works as a coach.[39] |
| Shivani Ghai | Actress.[40] |
| Brighid Lowe | Artist who has exhibited at Tate Britain and Jerwood Space and one of the first winners of the Paul Hamlyn Award for visual arts. |
| Ben Price | Actor, known for roles in Casualty and Footballers' Wives.[41] |
| Alan Shearer | Former Striker and manager for Newcastle United F.C.[34] |
| Kathryn Tickell | Folk singer.[24] |
| Shaun Hutchinson | Footballer at Motherwell F.C. |
The school operates a two week (10 day) timetable for students. The times are as follows:
| Time | Period |
|---|---|
| 8:45 – 8:55 | Registration with Tutor (Y9 – 11) |
| 8:55 – 9:45 | Period 1 |
| 9:45 – 10:30 | Period 2 |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:35 | Period 3 |
| 11:35 – 12:20 | Period 4 |
| 12:20 – 1:00 | Y9 & Y10 A–M Lunch |
| 12:20 – 1:10 | Period 5 Early |
| 1:10 – 1:50 | Y10 N–Z, Y11, Y12 & Y13 Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:50 | Period 5 Late |
| 1:50 – 2:40 | Period 6 |
| 2:40 – 3:30 | Period 7/7-Up |
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