Walker Riverside Academy, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, underwent an inspection on September 24 and 25, 2024. The inspection revealed that the quality of education at the school requires improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as good. The headteacher, Gareth Smith, leads the school, which is part of the Tyne Coast Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Mike Collier and trustee chair Les Watson.
Pupils express pride in attending Walker Riverside Academy, feeling a strong sense of belonging within their respective houses: Dobson, Grainger, and Stephenson. The school environment is described as calm and purposeful, with most pupils demonstrating good behaviour and a willingness to learn. The school has implemented various recognition systems to encourage positive behaviour, although some pupils require additional support to meet behavioural expectations. Staff are skilled in providing this support, including through a positive support programme.
Despite the positive atmosphere, the achievement of pupils in national assessments in 2023 was not strong. However, the leadership's actions are leading to improvements in the quality of education, which is still in progress. Pupils are developing a mature understanding of diversity and equality, and they are becoming more resilient as they engage with challenging academic work.
The school leadership has a clear understanding of the school's context and is ambitious for all pupils, particularly the high proportion of disadvantaged students. Since the last inspection, significant steps have been taken to strengthen leadership, and external support has been sought and utilized effectively. The curriculum is generally well-designed and ambitious, with a focus on literacy. However, ongoing work is needed to further develop the curriculum in certain subjects.
Teaching methods are guided by the Walker Toolkit, which emphasizes a structured approach to learning. Teachers build on prior knowledge and present new information clearly, addressing misconceptions effectively. While improvements in the quality of pupils' work are evident, consistency across all subjects remains a challenge. Some teachers are still adapting to the best practices for enabling pupils to practice and consolidate their learning.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The reading curriculum is well-structured, with daily reading activities and prompt support for pupils who struggle with reading.
Attendance has improved due to the leadership's efforts and a motivational rewards system, although some pupils still have frequent absences. The school promotes understanding and respect for different lifestyles and beliefs, fostering a positive school culture. Pupils learn about safety and well-being, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their relationships and future studies.
The local governance and trust leadership play a crucial role in driving improvements within the school. Leaders actively seek feedback from parents and staff, considering their well-being and workload. Staff express pride in working at Walker Riverside Academy.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for ongoing development in certain curriculum areas to enhance pupil achievement further. The implementation of the curriculum varies across subjects, necessitating continued support for teachers to ensure consistent delivery and improved outcomes for all pupils.
