Gosforth East Middle School

Overview

Gosforth East Middle School is described as a "warm and caring community" where relationships between pupils and adults are "very strong." The inspection confirms that the school continues to be good, with pupils feeling safe, confident, and well-prepared for their transition to high school.

Strengths

• Pupils work hard in lessons, and the atmosphere is "calm" with "positive" behaviour both inside and outside classrooms.
• The "impressive personal development programme" enriches education through clubs, trips, and significant leadership roles that build resilience.
• Curriculums are "carefully planned and skilfully taught," with subject leaders ensuring clear learning objectives and strong links to local first schools.
• Reading has a "high profile," with a curriculum designed to inspire pupils through a "wide range of interesting texts."
• Staff feel "valued and supported," and leaders are "relentless in their desire" to improve all areas of the school.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not broken down complicated ideas into small enough sections, meaning pupils’ learning is "less secure."
• Leaders should review and refine the curriculum to ensure pupils learn new skills "by practising regularly and building on what has gone before in a systematic and deliberate manner."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding across the school" where staff are clear about risks and know how to raise concerns.