English – Raising Achievement Deputy

At Ponteland High we are committed to establishing ourselves as an excellent school; one that is the school of choice for parents. In order to make this a reality we are focused on ensuring that students are fully supported, yet challenged to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of.

Our driving aims are to develop a school community where our students are:

1. Happy
2. Feel safe and secure at all times
3. Achieve exceptionally well

In recent years the school has successfully navigated its way through some major changes. We became an 11-18 secondary school from September 2019 welcoming new year groups in Y7 and Y8; this expanded the school population to approximately 1600 students. Then, in November 2020 we moved into state-of-the-art school facilities to finally have an outstanding learning environment that both our students and staff deserve.

I know that a key ingredient in our future success is in recruiting and retaining the very best staff who are committed to our school and students. Exposure to consistently high quality classroom practice is essential in supporting students’ academic success therefore we ensure that teaching staff are engaged in thoughtful reflection and collaborative training to promote continuous improvement. At the same time we know that schools are about so much more than just qualifications and we provide rich experiences that offer our students a wide range of trips and visits to enhance the curriculum as well as an array of opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities.

The school has retained a strong commitment to learning languages as we feel this will provide our students with an advantage in later life. Our international dimension is further supported through opportunities to experience foreign visits in Europe and further afield.

Headteacher

Stefan McElwee

Ofsted report

"Leaders and staff have high ambitions for what pupils can, and will, achieve at Ponteland High School. Pupils understand that they are expected to give their best every day. Pupils reflect these expectations in their positive attitudes to learning and excellent conduct. Around the school, there is a warm and friendly atmosphere. Staff and pupils share strong, respectful relationships. High-quality pastoral and academic support are available to all. Pupils know there is someone they can speak to if something worries them. They feel safe in school and appreciate the excellent facilities available.

As a result, many pupils participate widely in extra-curricular activities. These include several musical groups, sports teams of all abilities and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Staff communicate regularly with parents to celebrate pupils’ successes. Pupils who learn to play an instrument have their talent recognised during rehearsals. Large numbers of pupils participate in educational visits and trips abroad. These opportunities broaden pupils’ horizons and help them understand the wider world.

Leaders have focused on the right priorities at the right time. This has led to sustained improvements in the quality of education and behaviour at the school. There is absolute commitment from leaders at all levels to make the school the best that it can be".