Best 3 Secondary schools in Northumberland – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

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)

Attribute	Queen Elizabeth High School NE46 3JB	Ponteland High School NE20 9EG	St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy NE22 6ED
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Hexham Northumberland NE46 3JB	Ponteland Northumberland NE20 9EG	Bedlington Northumberland NE22 6ED
Latest Ofsted	2 12 Jun 2024	2 6 Jul 2023	2 8 Mar 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1308	1600	1140
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Hadrian Learning Trust	PELE TRUST	BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website	www.qehs.net	ponthigh.org.uk	www.st-benetbiscop.org.uk
Telephone	01434610300	01661824711	01670822795
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Queen Elizabeth High School

NE46 3JB

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

Ponteland High School

NE20 9EG

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

St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy

NE22 6ED

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.