Best 3 Secondary schools in Gateshead – 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: Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead (Secondary) in Gateshead; St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon (Secondary) in Blaydon-on-Tyne; Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy (Secondary) in Chester le Street — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead, St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon and Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear and Chester le Street, County Durham. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead), published Jul 2024. The lowest is 2 (St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon), published Apr 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,400, combined total ≈ 4,200, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–30–35%; all within the BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead NE9 6RZ	St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon NE21 4BQ	Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy DH3 2LP
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE9 6RZ	Blaydon-on-Tyne Tyne and Wear NE21 4BQ	Chester le Street County Durham DH3 2LP
Latest Ofsted	1 8 Jul 2024	2 26 Apr 2023	2 18 Jan 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,500 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1465	1509	1496
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST	BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST	Gateshead (390)
Website	www.cardinalhume.com	www.stthomasmore.org.uk	lordlawson.academy
Telephone	01914877638	01914990111	01914334026
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead

NE9 6RZ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE9 6RZ
Ofsted: 1 8 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,500 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.cardinalhume.com
Telephone: 01914877638

St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon

NE21 4BQ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Blaydon-on-Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE21 4BQ
Ofsted: 2 26 Apr 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.stthomasmore.org.uk
Telephone: 01914990111

Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy

DH3 2LP

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Chester le Street
County Durham
DH3 2LP
Ofsted: 2 18 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Gateshead (390)
Website: lordlawson.academy
Telephone: 01914334026

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.

Half-term & Christmas 2025 Lock your rate for 6 months

Reach UK schools & families while they’re actively researching

Simple placements. Clear pricing. Go live fast—and if you book by 31 Dec 2025, you’ll keep the promotional price for your first 6 months.

From £49/mo Header, Sidebar, In-content Sponsored articles available Limited placements

Advertise now Ask about availability

Book by 31 Dec 2025 to lock promotional pricing for six consecutive months. Family-friendly, education-relevant brands only.

Simple placements & clear prices

Pick a slot, send your creative, and go live quickly.

Sidebar Banner: from £49/mo (300×250 or 300×600).
In-content Placement: from £69/mo (contextual in Resources).
Header Banner: from £89/mo (970×250 / 728×90 / 320×100).
Sponsored Article: £140 one-off (+£80 if we write it).
Bonus: Book now and keep your promotional price for 6 months.