Principal's Update - 23rd May 2025
Please click below to view the Principal's update.
Please click below to view the Principal's update.
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, it's time to ensure that all students are ready with their school uniforms. Here’s everything you need to know about ordering your uniform and why it's crucial not to delay.
Why Order Early?
Uniform items which do not include a school logo (badge) can be purchased from any retailer as long as they meet our uniform policy standards.
All uniform items with a school logo (badge) and our school coats should be ordered from our approved supplier, Michael Seghal & Sons Ltd.
You can visit their store located at: Unit 17 Airport, Industrial Estate, Kingston Park, Newcastle, NE3 2EF (near to Tesco), where you can also benefit from a measuring and fitting service. Or you can order online at michaelsehgal.co.uk/gosforth-academy. You can contact them on 0191 230 2320 or email at sales@michaelsehgal.co.uk.
Our school and uniform supplier can also help with access to secondhand uniform items.
Please contact us if you need any more information or assistance. We're here to help!
Our first Duke of Edinburgh expedition of 2025 took place over the weekend of May 9th to 11th, involving a group of twenty-eight Year 12 students who camped, hiked, and learned navigation skills along and around Hadrian’s Wall. The group was accompanied by Mr. Wilkinson, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mrs. Pattison, and they were fortunate to enjoy fine, sunny weather throughout the entire weekend.
This year, we have more students than ever participating in the Silver Award. Since our first expedition, additional practice expedition groups have taken place this month with Miss Cassidy, Mr. Peacock, and Mr. Catton.
Once students complete their practice expeditions, they will need to undertake their assessed expeditions in the more challenging terrain of the Borrowdale Valley in the Lake District.
Both staff and students are hoping for continued good weather. In the Lake District, students will be required to independently navigate their route from one camp to another, as well as camp and cook for themselves for three days.
We are grateful to John and Caroline of Adventure Training North East, who organise and assess all our Silver Award expeditions.
Please click below to view the Principal's update.
Dylan Gibson, one of our Post 16 Tutors, was presented with a High Sheriff of Northumberland Award last month. Dylan, who received the award on behalf of his karate club, Kokoro Karate Club, lost his sight just over two years ago. Despite his sight loss, Dylan continues to run the karate club five nights a week in Cramlington and Blyth, alongside his sister, Gemma.
This is the second year in a row that the club has received a High Sheriff Award. Last year, Dylan was also awarded the High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Award.
This year’s award was presented by Lucia Bridgeman, the High Sheriff of Northumberland and television presenter Alexander Armstrong, who was born and raised in Rothbury.
Kokoro Karate Club received the award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community. The award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and the people of Northumberland for the activities the club promotes and the contribution it makes to enhancing the life of the community.
During his speech, Alexander Armstrong talked about the cultural heritage of Northumberland and the importance of building a strong community. He also praised all of the groups receiving awards for the enrichment activities they deliver and the opportunities they offer to young people.
The High Sheriff said, ‘Kokoto Karate Club exemplifies what dedication and teamwork can create. I cannot find the words to express how impressed I was by Dylan and how he has coped with overcoming the loss of his sight with such fortitude. It would have been easy for him to turn his back on the sport that he participated in at such a high level but instead he has dedicated himself to encouraging others to take part in karate and sharing his passion for the sport.’
These sentiments are ones we would echo, as Dylan has continued in his role as an exceptional Post 16 Tutor, supporting the students in his care with their academic and pastoral needs.
We are delighted to announce that Gosforth Academy is featured in the Top 11 Secondary Schools in Tyne & Wear, based on the Government's updated preliminary performance tables. NewcastleWorld.com has reported the rankings and created a top 11 listing, which lists our school in third place.
The newly released GCSE performance data, drawn from the Progress 8 Score for the 2023/2024 academic year, reflects our students' outstanding academic performance and overall development. This score assesses student achievements and learning progress relative to peers from similar primary schools across the country. A score above zero is labeled "positive," and a score exceeding 0.2 is recognised as "above average." Gosforth Academy proudly reports a Progress 8 score of 0.64, categorised as ‘well above average.’ This Progress Score reflects our aim to foster academic success and personal growth for all of our students.
Our Principal, Preit Chahal, shared his pride and said, “We are thrilled to be recognised among the top state secondary schools in the region. Our unwavering focus on academic excellence, alongside our commitment to student wellbeing, creates an environment where every pupil can thrive.”
Community Spirit in Action!
Our amazing students and staff recently organised a donation drive for St Oswald's Hospice, collecting clothing and books for this incredible local charity.
Deputy Principal Peter Snowden shared his delight: "Seeing our students support the hospice, which truly makes a difference in people's lives, was heartwarming. Our appeal highlighted the hospice's vital work and provided fantastic opportunities for our Y11 Health and Social Care students to visit and learn from this community care setting."
St Oswald's Hospice expressed their gratitude: "We are incredibly lucky to receive such amazing donations from the local community."
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
We are excited to announce that we have been recognised for our outstanding careers work and awarded the National Quality in Careers Standard by Ixion (part of the Shaw Trust Group). This prestigious accolade is given to schools that show a strong commitment to supporting students in making informed decisions about their futures.
Preit Chahal, our Principal, commented, “We are dedicated to enhancing the opportunities and prospects for all our students. Understanding the importance of career preparation, we embarked on the journey to achieve the National Quality in Careers Standard. This recognition highlights our ongoing efforts to provide excellent careers education. We also want to give a big thanks to Li-Am Carter, CE, IAG Progression Manager, and Ian Limbrick, Progression Manager. Their hard work and dedication were crucial in helping us achieve this award.
"From Year 8 onwards, we have a statutory duty to offer independent careers guidance to all students. The government also recommends that all schools work towards the National Quality in Careers Standard. Achieving this standard showcases our commitment to promoting quality careers education, which plays a crucial role in the overall success of our students and the school."
Our school offers a variety of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them make informed decisions about their post-school lives. These activities include work experience, careers conventions, guidance interviews, mock interviews, career speed dating, and more.
Dr. Alexandra Thorp, Chief Executive Officer of our Trust, Gosforth Group, expressed, “We are absolutely thrilled that Gosforth Academy has achieved the National Quality in Careers Standard award. We recognise the important role schools play in helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success. This standard has provided a flexible framework that enables Preit and his team to assess their careers work and ensure our students receive valuable advice, practical support, and experience to prepare them for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment, or training.”
On Friday, March 28th, our students came together to celebrate Newcastle United's recent cup victory while supporting a worthy cause. Our students and staff organised a 'black and white' day, encouraging students and staff to don the iconic colours of NUFC in a show of solidarity and school spirit.
The event was a tremendous success, with over £1,265 raised for the Newcastle Food Bank. This impressive amount reflects our school community's generous spirit and commitment to helping those in need.
Preit Chahal, Principal, commented, "We are thrilled to see our students and staff embrace the celebration of Newcastle United's historic trophy win. The black and white attire added to the festive atmosphere, making it a day to remember. Their enthusiasm and generosity in donating to Newcastle Food Bank captured the community spirit of supporting those in need."
The day's festivities highlighted not only the excitement surrounding the football club’s success but also the importance of compassion and giving back. Our students' efforts not only celebrated local sports but also made a meaningful impact by providing support to families in the region facing food insecurity.
As we reflect on the day, it is clear that the spirit of unity and generosity will resonate long after the celebrations have concluded.
Questionnaire March 2025
|
Parent Feedback Questionnaire |
% Strongly Agree/Agree |
|
|
1 |
My child feels safe at this school. |
98% |
|
2 |
The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved. |
98% |
|
3 |
The school has high expectations for my child. |
98% |
|
4 |
My child does well at this school. |
99% |
|
5 |
The school lets me know how my child is doing. |
98% |
|
6 |
There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school. |
99% |
|
7 |
My child is happy at this school |
97% |
|
8 |
My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school. |
99% |
|
9 |
The school supports my child’s wider personal development. |
98% |
|
10 |
I would recommend this school to another parent. |
97% |
|
11 |
Gosforth Academy does not tolerate bullying and cases of bullying are rare. My child has been bullied and the school dealt with it quickly and effectively. |
98% |
|
12 |
My child has SEND and the school gives them the support they need to succeed. |
100% |
|
Parent Views I feel we have had good feedback from class / subject teachers, they seem to know my child well considering how many other children they must teach. We also appreciate the extra after-school revision sessions that are being organised. Thank you. The school is brilliant for behaviour management supporting children and dealing with any complaints, worries or concerns. Staff are extremely approachable and focused on the best outcomes for my child. Thank you. I would like to thank everyone for their support.
|
FAQs
When will my child receive their exam timetable?
Timetables for GCSE exams will be published by Monday 24 March 2025.
What is my child being taught?
Overview of each subject content can be found here: Curriculum Overview (gosforthacademy.org.uk)
What extra-curricular sports are offered at Gosforth Academy?
Year 10 students have the opportunity to sign up to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh activity during Yellow Week.
Year 10 can also do Duke of Edinburgh as a yellow week activity.
Students in Sixth From have the opportunity to participate in the The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme .
For Main School students we have a wide range of sporting activities offered throughout the school including Rugby (ranging from beginner to elite level as part of the ACE Scheme), Netball, Football and Badminton. We also have a highly successful Squash Programme that regularly results in our teams reaching or winning the National Finals.
We are particularly keen to offer options that are appropriate to each cohort, so if there are and suggested options that may be viable, please do raise these with the PE Department in the first instance, as provision is determined by capacity and student interest/uptake.
The 7UP enrichment programme can be found here: Enrichment (gosforthacademy.org.uk)
On a misty evening on Thursday 20th March in Wallsend, a group of young lads showed great resilience and determination in replicating what Newcastle United recently achieved—becoming League Cup champions. Our Gosforth boys came up against a physically strong Walbottle side, and after just five minutes, they found themselves 1–0 down. It felt like the potential start of a parade of goals, but the Year 9 boys regrouped and pulled a goal back within minutes.
The momentum didn’t last long, however, as Walbottle quickly regained the lead. A bit battered and slightly bruised, the boys didn’t give up. A penalty decision went in our favour, and with nerves set aside, we levelled the score at 2-2 going into half-time.
Historically, the Year 9 Gosforth boys team performs better as games progress—their skill and togetherness outweigh their tiredness. During the break, all they needed was a simple reminder of that. Once they stepped back onto the pitch, they dominated and rightly went ahead for the first time, making it 3–2 to Gosforth.
Time stood still as both teams battled for control, with equal chances to level or extend the lead. Gosforth struck the crossbar twice, drawing sighs of relief from Walbottle fans and cheers of encouragement from the travelling Gosforth supporters.
Sport has an amazing ability to create moments that define character. When Walbottle scored to level the game with only minutes remaining, it was the grit, fortitude, and strength of the Gosforth players that kept hope alive. After a tense period of extra time, the match was to be decided by a penalty shootout.
As each player bravely stepped up and made the long walk to the spot, the remaining boys huddled together, filled with both excitement and nerves. Both Gosforth’s and Walbottle’s first penalties were converted. Gosforth then scored their second, while Walbottle’s shot was met by a brilliant save from our goalkeeper. Gosforth scored again, giving us a 3–1 lead. Walbottle missed their third attempt, leaving the Gosforth captain to step forward proudly, surrounded by the roars of his teammates. He calmly scored the final goal—one that symbolised all the hard work, passion, and dedication that had brought the team to this incredible moment.
Congratulations to all players!

Gosforth Academy had an incredibly successful time last week competing at the National Schools Squash Finals at Edgbaston Priory club, Birmingham.
The KS3 Girls team of Lucy Ulyatt, Meera Jatania , Freya Finnemore, Tara Michla, Zara Ali Saleem and Lila Begg were never troubled in any of their matches, beating Roseberry school from Surrey 4 - 1 in the quarter final, Wycombe Abbey from Buckinghamshire 5 - 0 in their semi final and then comprehensively beating Benenden school from Kent 5 - 0 in the final.
The KS4 Boys team of Duncan Rutherford, Aidan Mahoney, James Ulyatt, Charlie Armstrong , Leo Blackett and Will Young won their quarter final against Kings College Wimbledon 5 - 0 and then ran into one of the pre-tournament favourites, Epsom College in the semi final, where they narrowly lost 2 - 3. They finished off with another very close match against Wycliffe College for the 3rd / 4th play off, again narrowly losing 2 - 3.
The KS4 Girls team consisted of Rebecca Little, Isla Cook, Lexi Sweenie, Sophie Cockett, Syra Bhatt and Izzy Wright, beat Downe House school from Berkshire 4 - 1 in their quarter final, but then lost a very close semi final 3 - 2 against Sevenoaks school from Kent. They secured third place with a 4 - 1 win over Lincoln Minster school from Lincolnshire.
The KS5 Girls had a very strong squad consisting of Shae Paterson, Ava Naisbitt, Rebecca Little, Kate Naisbitt, Katherine Palmer, Sarah-Jane Mothersole and Anna Morgan, who all play in our County ladies leagues and most of them have represented the County at junior level. They had comfortable wins against Wycombe Abbey in the quarter final, Sevenoaks in the semi final and then 4 - 1 against Epsom College in the final.
All the players that represented Gosforth Academy last week were products of the schools outreach work that Northern Squash club do in the local community. Anyone who would like more information about how to get involved in squash can contact the head coach at Northern, Richard Vitty Tel - 07757 989582.