Benton Dene School

Benton Dene School continues to demonstrate a good standard of education, characterized by a supportive and nurturing environment where the well-being of pupils is prioritized. Leaders maintain high expectations for both behavior and academic performance, resulting in positive engagement from pupils. The school is well-regarded by parents and the community, with a strong commitment to personal development and a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance learning experiences. Notably, initiatives such as successful projects on climate change showcase the school’s dedication to developing responsible citizens. Despite its strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly in the assessment of the new personal, social, and health education (PSHE) curriculum. The current limitations in checking pupils' understanding hinder the ability to ensure continuity in learning. Leaders are aware of this issue and recognize the necessity for improvement in this area to better prepare students for adulthood. Overall, Benton Dene serves as a robust educational establishment for pupils with special educational needs, illustrating a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability in light of recent challenges.

Strengths

• Strong leadership with high expectations for pupil behavior and learning
• A nurturing and safe environment that fosters kindness among pupils
• Effective communication strategies tailored to assist pupils with communication difficulties
• Ambitious curriculum that caters to the needs of all pupils
• High-quality reading resources that engage pupils
• Strong commitment to personal development through various extracurricular activities

Areas for Improvement

• Insufficient assessment practices in the PSHE curriculum

In 2024–25 pupils at Benton Dene School attended 94.3% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 11.7% 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 Benton Dene 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 Benton Dene School had 7.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 18.2% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Benton Dene School had 139 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; speech, language and communication needs; autistic spectrum disorder.

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 special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Benton Dene School received £26,064 and spent £25,678 for each of its 139 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £278,000 (£2,003 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Newcastle Upon Tyne · North Tyneside local authority: places and applications

Benton Dene School is part of The North Tyneside Learning Trust, which runs 29 schools. The nearest others:

• Benton Dene Primary School Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Longbenton High School Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Ivy Road Primary School Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Forest Hall Primary School Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Balliol Primary School Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Amberley Primary School Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Redesdale Primary School Wallsend
• Wallsend Jubilee Primary School Wallsend
• Beacon Hill School North Tyneside
• Burradon Community Primary School Cramlington

What is Benton Dene School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Benton Dene School is Good, from an inspection in December 2022.

When was Benton Dene School last inspected by Ofsted?

Benton Dene School was last inspected in December 2022.

How many pupils does Benton Dene School have?

Benton Dene School has 139 pupils on roll.

What age range does Benton Dene School cover?

Benton Dene School for pupils aged 4 to 11.

What are Benton Dene School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Benton Dene School?

Benton Dene School is at HAILSHAM AVENUE, LONGBENTON, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, TYNE AND WEAR, NE12 8FD.