Emily Wilding Davison School

Emily Wilding Davison School has made a significant transformation since its previous inadequate rating in early 2023, now achieving a good overall effectiveness assessment. The school has developed a broad and aspirational curriculum tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, many of whom have faced educational challenges prior to enrollment. The nurturing environment, high expectations for behavior, and strong focus on personal development contribute positively to students' learning experiences and overall wellbeing. Staff members are well-equipped to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and there is a robust system to monitor student progress. Although attendance is a current concern impacting learning experiences, the leadership team is dedicated to improving this aspect. The school community embodies strong values, and there are comprehensive support systems in place to promote mental health and inclusivity.

Strengths

• Strong emphasis on personalized learning and support
• Positive relationships between staff and pupils
• Broad and aspirational curriculum that meets pupil needs
• Effective management of SEND with precise planning
• Strong encouragement of reading for pleasure
• Various enrichment opportunities for pupils

Areas for Improvement

• Persistent absence of pupils impacting educational experiences

In 2024–25 pupils at Emily Wilding Davison School attended 52.7% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 92.6% 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, 59.6% of pupils at Emily Wilding Davison 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 Emily Wilding Davison School had 7.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 26.4% 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 Emily Wilding Davison School had 124 pupils, 94.4% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

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 Emily Wilding Davison School received £26,379 and spent £32,875 for each of its 124 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £2,086,000 (-£16,823 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 · Northumberland local authority: places and applications

What is Emily Wilding Davison School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Emily Wilding Davison School is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was Emily Wilding Davison School last inspected by Ofsted?

Emily Wilding Davison School was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does Emily Wilding Davison School have?

Emily Wilding Davison School has 124 pupils on roll.

What age range does Emily Wilding Davison School cover?

Emily Wilding Davison School for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Where is Emily Wilding Davison School?

Emily Wilding Davison School is at Thornhill Road, Ponteland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE20 9QB.