Northern Counties School

Northern Counties School has made significant improvements since its previous inadequate inspection, now achieving a good overall effectiveness rating. The school serves students aged 3 to 19 with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and it has raised the ambitions of both leaders and pupils significantly. The curriculum is carefully tailored to meet individual student needs, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and excellent behavior. Pupils are well-supported by a caring staff who know them individually, leading to positive relationships and an engaging school environment.

Strengths

• Strong academic focus with an ambitious pathway curriculum.
• Exceptional behavior and attitudes among pupils.
• Wide variety of activities promoting personal development.
• Effective support from well-trained staff, including specialists.
• Positive relationships between staff and pupils.
• Strong emphasis on reading and phonics.
• Effective tracking of pupil attendance.

Areas for Improvement

• Inconsistent presentation of information by some teachers.
• Variable curriculum delivery in some subject areas.

In 2024–25 pupils at Northern Counties School attended 84.6% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 35.9% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Northern Counties School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Northern Counties School had 89 pupils, 97.8% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

It says it provides for: hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded non-maintained special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne · Newcastle upon Tyne local authority: places and applications

What is Northern Counties School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Northern Counties School is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.

When was Northern Counties School last inspected by Ofsted?

Northern Counties School was last inspected in April 2024.

How many pupils does Northern Counties School have?

Northern Counties School has 89 pupils on roll.

What age range does Northern Counties School cover?

Northern Counties School for pupils aged 3 to 19.

Where is Northern Counties School?

Northern Counties School is at Tankerville Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 3BB.