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OpenOfsted: Needs attentionURN 149842

Gilbert Ward Academy

Free schools special · Blyth · NE24 2TS

Ages 11–16 · 83 pupils · Northumberland

School website

Ofsted

Needs attention

Overall absence

25.6%

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

Read full report

Headline

Needs attention

Inspection date

2026-05-06

  • AchievementNeeds attention
  • Curriculum and teachingNeeds attention
  • InclusionExpected standard
  • Attendance and behaviourNeeds attention
  • Personal development and wellbeingExpected standard
  • Leadership and governanceNeeds attention

Safeguarding standards: Met

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Absence

Academic year 2023/24. Persistent absence means 10%+ of sessions missed. Lower figures are better.

Overall absence25.6%
Persistent absence (10%+)72.7%
Unauthorised5.6%
Authorised absence
19.9%
Severe absence (50%+)
21.2%
Enrolments in measure
33

Source: DfE pupil absence in schools in England

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill104%

83 pupils · 80 places

Pupils on roll
83
Boys / girls
65 / 18
School capacity
80
Capacity fill
83 / 80 (104%)
Free school meals
71.1%
FSM pupils
59
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Gender
Mixed
School type
Free schools special

Age range

Ages 11–16

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

1 / 6

  • Nursery
  • Sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Governance
Academy trust: PROSPER LEARNING TRUST
Academy trust
PROSPER LEARNING TRUST
Sponsor
Prosper Learning Trust
Headteacher
Mr Barry Reed

Location

Address
Princess Louise Road
Postcode
NE24 2TS
Town
Blyth
County
Northumberland
Local authority
Northumberland
District
Northumberland
Constituency
Blyth and Ashington
Urban/rural
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed free schools special, Ages 11–16, in Blyth, Northumberland, 83 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: special school, non-selective admissions. Free school meals: 71.1%.

Open schools in Blyth
12
Academies among open schools in Blyth
50% (6)
Open schools in NE24
12
Open schools in Northumberland LA
178

Nearby schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseAll in BlythNear NE24

  • St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School

    Ofsted: Requires improvement

    Academy converter · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 2LE · Northumberland

    Ages 3–11

    • KS254%
    • Absence7.3%
    • FSM38.3%

    0.1 miles away

  • Bede Academy

    Ofsted: Good

    Academy sponsor led · All-through

    Blyth · NE24 2SY · Northumberland

    Ages 3–18

    • Att846.7
    • P8-0.1
    • EM5+52%
    • Absence6.8%

    0.3 miles away

  • Malvin's Close Academy

    Ofsted: Outstanding

    Academy sponsor led · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 5BL · Northumberland

    Ages 3–11

    • KS262%
    • Absence4.7%
    • FSM42.4%

    0.3 miles away

  • Croftway Academy

    Ofsted: Outstanding

    Academy sponsor led · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 2HP · Northumberland

    Ages 3–11

    • KS272%
    • Absence4.2%
    • FSM41.0%

    0.4 miles away

  • Newsham Primary School

    Ofsted: Not judged

    Community school · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 4NX · Northumberland

    Ages 3–11

    • KS243%
    • Absence6.1%
    • FSM41.1%

    0.7 miles away

  • Morpeth Road Academy

    Ofsted: Outstanding

    Academy converter · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 5TQ · Northumberland

    Ages 2–11

    • KS222%
    • Absence7.5%
    • FSM60.3%

    0.7 miles away

  • New Delaval Primary School

    Ofsted: Good

    Community school · Primary

    Blyth · NE24 4DA · Northumberland

    Ages 2–11

    • KS235%
    • Absence7.2%
    • FSM50.5%

    1.0 miles away

  • The Blyth Academy

    Ofsted: Good

    Academy sponsor led · Secondary

    Blyth · NE24 4JP · Northumberland

    Ages 11–16

    • Att841.0
    • P8-0.2
    • EM5+50%
    • Absence15.3%

    1.1 miles away

Contact

Headteacher
Mr Barry Reed
Telephone
01916053899
Website
https://www.gilbertwardacademy.co.uk/

Official links