John Spence Community High School

John Spence Community High School is situated in North Shields, Tyne and Wear. It is a foundation, community school for 11-16 year olds. It is a non-denominational establishment. At the moment, there are approximately 880 students enrolled at John Spence Community High School.

Headteacher

Jonathan Heath

Values and Vision

We are a fully inclusive school that sits at the heart of our community and recognise that in order to excel students need to be supported and challenged through every stage of their school journey.

Our ‘Fit for Life’ ethos encapsulates our purpose as a school; we want our students to thrive in their communities when they leave school as resilient, skilled and considerate individuals. These attributes will develop through the opportunities that each student will receive both within and beyond the classroom. All we ask of our students is that they seize these opportunities and participate fully in school life.

To succeed in our ambition, that all individuals leave us ‘Fit for Life’, we work in collaboration with local schools and organisations. Good relationships with parents and carers are very important to us. This partnership is essential if our students are to succeed and we are delighted that our parents work closely with us by supporting the school in the standards and expectations that we have. The connection between school and home is of paramount importance and sits at the heart of our values.

John Spence Community High School is also the Lead School and Governing Body of the North East Partnership SCITT; a specialist physical education initial teacher training provider offering both secondary and primary postgraduate training places.

The staff and governors are passionate in their drive to provide the very best education.  We seek to create an inspiring environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning and where achievement is celebrated by all.

Ofsted report

“The curriculum is broad and varied. Pupils are guided well onto a range of courses at key stage 4. The school’s ‘Fit for Life’ programme promotes personal development effectively. There is an impressive range of extra-curricular activities, particularly in sport.

Procedures to safeguard pupils are rigorous. Vulnerable pupils are supported very well to engage fully in school life.

Pupils’ attendance is above the national average. In the past, the proportion of disadvantaged pupils who were regularly absent from school has been high, but it is now reducing.”

View John Spence Community High School’s latest Ofsted report