Trinity Academy Newcastle

Overview

The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are not demonstrating the capacity to secure improvement. It highlights a stark contrast between the lower site, where primary-age pupils achieve well, and the upper site, where secondary-age pupils face significant risks and poor outcomes.

Strengths

• Primary-age pupils at the lower site "learn and achieve well from their differing starting points."
• The school is successful in "identifying and closing gaps in pupils' knowledge," particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics at the lower site.
• Staff at the lower site respond "sensitively to pupils’ emotional needs" and help pupils manage their behaviour effectively.
• Pupils at the lower site benefit from a "well-ordered curriculum" and a personalised offer that nurtures personal development.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must urgently ensure staff have the expertise to manage behaviour and safeguarding, as pupils are currently "not safe" and bullying is frequent.
• The curriculum for secondary-age pupils is "not fit for purpose," with staff unclear about content and gaps in knowledge persisting.
• Governance and leadership must act with urgency to improve attendance, as a significant proportion of upper-site pupils are persistently absent and at risk of harm.

Safeguarding

The report states that "safeguarding standards not met" because leaders have not ensured an "open and positive culture around safeguarding," which "puts pupils at significant risk of harm."