Best 3 Secondary schools in Northumberland – comparison

Comparison of secondary schools: Queen Elizabeth High School (Secondary) in Hexham; Ponteland High School (Secondary) in Ponteland; St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy (Secondary) in Bedlington — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Queen Elizabeth High School, Ponteland High School and St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Hexham, Northumberland, Ponteland, Northumberland and Bedlington, Northumberland. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Queen Elizabeth High School), published Jun 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Queen Elizabeth High School (Jun 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,300, combined total ≈ 3,900, typical FSM 15–20%, range 10–15%–30–35%; spread across trusts such as Hadrian Learning Trust, PELE TRUST and BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy converter
Location
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 3JB
Ofsted
2 12 Jun 2024
Pupils
≈ 1,300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Hadrian Learning Trust
Website
www.qehs.net
Telephone
01434610300
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy converter
Location
Ponteland
Northumberland
NE20 9EG
Ofsted
2 6 Jul 2023
Pupils
≈ 1,550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
PELE TRUST
Website
ponthigh.org.uk
Telephone
01661824711
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy converter
Location
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 6ED
Ofsted
2 8 Mar 2023
Pupils
≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website
www.st-benetbiscop.org.uk
Telephone
01670822795

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?
We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.
What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?
Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.
Why can’t I see exact numbers?
To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.
How should I choose a school?
Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.
What should I look for when comparing schools?
Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.
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