Benfield School
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 4NU · Newcastle upon Tyne · secondary school
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12th of 13 secondary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne we can score, 17 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 1.1/10 against 120 of them, against 0.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 24.3 · 7 | 46% | 0.33 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -1.09 · 2 | 38% | 0.07 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 31.8 · 2 | 15% | 0.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Benfield School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 24.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 33.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -1.09 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than the national average for similar starting points. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (1.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Choir, School of Rock, MicroBit programming, Lego League, Chess Team, and Debate Club. Sports include football, basketball, rugby, netball, Games Club, and orienteering. Arts and music options cover dance, cookery, and art and textiles. The school offers a Duke of Edinburgh trip, a breakfast club, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 819 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,035. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about Benfield School
Overview
This is a "warm and welcoming school" where pupils generally feel safe and have positive relationships with staff. However, the inspection found that the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership all "require improvement," while personal development is rated as "good."
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and feel safe," with positive relationships and trust in adults.
- Personal development is effective, with pupils learning about health, relationships, and "fundamental British values."
- Reading is prioritised, with effective interventions helping weaker readers improve their skills.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well integrated into all aspects of school life" and receive necessary support.
- There are "several improvements to the behavioural culture" since the previous inspection, with most pupils behaving well.
Areas to improve
- Teaching strategies are not consistently used, slowing pupil progress; the school must ensure consistent implementation to significantly improve examination outcomes.
- Persistent absence remains "significantly high," particularly among disadvantaged pupils, negatively impacting their achievements.
- Some pupils do not fully engage with behavioural expectations and are at risk of sanctions; the school must refine support for these pupils.
- Curriculum leadership is still developing, delaying improvements; leaders require further training and support to deliver changes effectively.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 32.7 |
| 2024/25 | 33.5 |
| 2025/26 | 31.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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