Gilbert Ward Academy
Free schools special · Ages 11–16 · Blyth, Northumberland
Gilbert Ward Academy is a special school in Blyth, Northumberland for ages 11–16 (free schools special).
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Key facts
- Address
- Princess Louise Road, Blyth, NE24 2TS
- Type
- Free schools special
- Ages
- 11–16
- Admissions policy
- Non-selective
- Council
- Northumberland
- Pupils on roll
- 83 January 2026 school census
- Free school meals
- 71.1% of pupils eligible
- Pupils per teacher
- 7.2
Official record: Get Information about Schools · as at 15 September 2026
Ofsted
No Ofsted grade Inspected 6 May 2026
Strengths
- “Pupils are safe at Gilbert Ward Academy.”
- “They are greeted each day by staff who care for their wellbeing.”
- “They respond to the clear routines and structures that are in place.”
To improve
- “Many pupils have had negative experiences of education in the past.”
- “However, too many pupils are regularly absent from school.”
- “However, pupils are not given enough time to learn the content that they need to know across subject areas, which impacts on what they can achieve.”
Safeguarding: met
Quoted from the Ofsted report published 19 June 2026 (read the report). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What a pass unlocks for Gilbert Ward Academy
- Earlier exam results, 2022/23
- Crime, sold prices and rents, broadband and transport around the school
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Nearby special, independent and other schools
Straight-line distance, in Northumberland.
- Bede Academy 0.3 mi Good
- The Dales School 1.2 mi School remains Outstanding
- The Apex Academy 2.6 mi No Ofsted grade
- Seaton Sluice Middle School 2.7 mi School remains Good
- Whytrig Middle School 3.3 mi No Ofsted grade
- Cramlington Hillcrest School 3.5 mi School remains Good
- NCEA Castle School 3.8 mi Good
- Northumberland Pupil Referral Unit 4.1 mi Standards maintained