Skip to content

    • Accessibility Statement

    Introduction

    This statement was last updated on 1st September 2025.

    Gosforth Federated Academies Ltd (Gosforth Group) is committed to ensuring our websites are accessible to all users, regardless of technology or ability. We strive to provide an inclusive and user-friendly experience for everyone visiting our sites.

    Accessibility standards

    Our websites are designed to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 (WCAG 2.2) as part of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

    We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website.  For example, that means you should be able to:

    • change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings.
    • zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen.
    • navigate most of the website using a keyboard or speech recognition software.
    • listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).

    We've also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

    Accessibility Features
    • Responsive Design: Our website is designed to work on various devices and screen sizes, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
    • Keyboard Navigation: The website is navigable via keyboard to accommodate users who cannot use a mouse.
    • Text Readability: We use clear and legible fonts, sufficient colour contrast, and adjustable text size to enhance readability.

    If you have a disability, you can find further advice on making your own device easier to use by visiting AbilityNet

    Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

    School exemption

    • primary and secondary schools or nurseries - except for the content people need in order to use their services, for example a form that lets you outline school meal preferences.

    Non-compliant content

    Whilst our website has been built to include functionality that works with screen readers, we may need to make some improvements to ensure:

    • Images: We endeavour to ensure that, where needed, we include alternative text for any images. If any images do not have a text alternative, so people using a screen reader cannot access the information, we will rectify this if notified. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    • Captioning and Transcripts: Multimedia content, such as videos, includes captions or transcripts where applicable. If any multimedia content does not have a frame title, captions or transcriptions, so people using assistive technology cannot access the information, we will rectify this if notified. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    • Form auto complete: adding validation to forms enables our forms to be autocompleted. If any forms do not have autocomplete, so people using a screen reader cannot access the information, we will rectify this if notified. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    • Links: We endeavour to ensure that, where needed, we include appropriate use of links and ensure that links are descriptive. If any links are not descriptive, so people using a screen reader cannot access the information, we will rectify this if notified. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    • Tables: We endeavour to ensure that, where needed, tables have the appropriate headings set. If any tables do not have defined headings, so people using a screen reader or keyboard navigation cannot access the information, we will rectify this if notified. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    • Brand colours: We are committed to ensuring that our branded colours meet the required contrast ratios for corresponding text sizes, in line with accessibility standards. However, if any text fails to meet the necessary contrast ratio, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to access the information, we will take corrective action upon notification. We acknowledge that such issues do not meet the WCAG 2.2 AA success criterion and are actively working to address them.

    In addition, we know some parts of this website are not fully accessible:

    • Most older PDF documents are not fully accessible through screen reader software.
    • Embedded Google Maps are not accessible within the site.
    • Any forms with bespoke styling on the site may not be accessible.

    Ongoing Efforts

    We are committed to continuous improvement. For example:

    • Screen reader compatibility: while our website has been designed to support screen reader functionality, we recognise that further enhancements may be needed. We will work closely with our website provider to ensure optimal accessibility for all users.

    • Regular audits and user testing: We are committed to conducting regular accessibility audits and user testing, with a minimum of one comprehensive review each year.

    • User feedback: We actively seek and incorporate user feedback to improve the accessibility of our website and digital services.

    • Keeping up to date: We strive to stay informed about evolving accessibility standards and best practices and will continue to adapt our approach accordingly.

    Third-Party Content

    While we strive to ensure that all content on our websites is accessible, some third-party materials or external links may not fully comply with accessibility standards. If you encounter any difficulties accessing this content, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.

    Enforcement procedure

    The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you're not happy with how we are responding to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

    Technical information about this website's accessibility

    Gosforth Group is committed to making its websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

    Compliance status

    This website is partially exempt from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard due to the exemptions and non-compliance listed above.

    Need Assistance?

    If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using our website or have suggestions to enhance your experience, we welcome your feedback. Please contact us using the details below:

    Email: admin@gosforthgroup.org.uk

    Phone: 0191 285 1000 ext. 4007

    Mailing Address: Gosforth Group, Dudley Lane, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 6EJ

    When reporting an issue, please include:

    • The webpage or feature you experienced difficulties with.
    • Your contact information (optional, if you would like a response).
    Commitment to Improvement

     At Gosforth Group, we deeply value diversity and inclusion and are dedicated to creating an accessible online experience for every member of our community. We view accessibility as an ongoing journey and are committed to making continuous improvements. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us achieve this goal, and we welcome your insights to guide our efforts.

    Cookie Policy