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Original poster

Gosforth Academy or Whitley bay high?

22 replies

Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 20:09

Does anyone have a child at either of these schools? We are looking to move. DS is dyslexic, sensitive, creative and bright . He is good at sports. DD loves drama and is academic. I’m not overly bothered by results, although I know they both do well but I want a happy school with pupils who are encouraged to love learning.

OP posts:
Aprilwasverywet · 07/06/2021 20:10

Ime avoid an academy if your dc needs anything above bog standard teaching...

AdditionalCharacter · 07/06/2021 20:16

My DC have gone through GA. They are both polar opposites academically. DC1 is very academic and continued on with 6th form, and is now at university. He got offered all 5 of his university choices. DC2 has SN and an EHCP, not academic at all and wasn't pushed too hard with his learning. They have a fantastic base for children with SEN and DC2 flourished there. He didn't stop on for 6th form as it's more of an academic one, but he wouldn't have regardless as he's doing a course specifically for his SN.

I know of a few families who have DC at GA who live nearer WB but prefer GA. If you can, visit first. You do know that GA only takes from Y9 though? It's a three tier school system.

Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 20:16

@Aprilwasverywet

Ime avoid an academy if your dc needs anything above bog standard teaching...
Why is that?
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Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 20:17

@AdditionalCharacter

My DC have gone through GA. They are both polar opposites academically. DC1 is very academic and continued on with 6th form, and is now at university. He got offered all 5 of his university choices. DC2 has SN and an EHCP, not academic at all and wasn't pushed too hard with his learning. They have a fantastic base for children with SEN and DC2 flourished there. He didn't stop on for 6th form as it's more of an academic one, but he wouldn't have regardless as he's doing a course specifically for his SN.

I know of a few families who have DC at GA who live nearer WB but prefer GA. If you can, visit first. You do know that GA only takes from Y9 though? It's a three tier school system.

Thank you. Do you know why they prefer
OP posts:
Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 20:18

GA?

OP posts:
Ohs9daring · 07/06/2021 20:19

GA= gosforth academy

Patters4779 · 07/06/2021 20:21

Mine went to North Gosforth Academy and the teaching staff are amazing in the GA structure x

I have one with adhd and dyslexia and one NT very bright...both had amazing support.

Aprilwasverywet · 07/06/2021 20:27

I actually went to Gosforth Academy when it was a high school.. Many moons ago!!
My ds has undiagnosed SEN. Due to Covid never addressed as yet. Awaiting the go ahead for a care plan. He couldn't cope with the 'engage to learn' procedures of the academy he was at. Had to remove him until a transfer can be arranged.

Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 21:29

Sounds like everyone has had good experience of Gosforth Academy, any experience of Whitley bay?

OP posts:
AdditionalCharacter · 07/06/2021 21:32

Sorry, don't know them well enough to ask. It is a great school though.

Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 07/06/2021 21:54

Thank you

OP posts:
awkwardusername · 07/06/2021 22:14

@Thatswatshesaid

Sounds like everyone has had good experience of Gosforth Academy, any experience of Whitley bay?
I don’t know any children there but I know staff and parents of kids who go there.

The staff seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs, which will have an impact on the kids without a doubt.

The parents of kids that go there also seem happy, and have been glowing about it recently.

Aprilwasverywet · 07/06/2021 22:15

Interesting fact - Sting attended Gosforth High many years ago!!

Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 08/06/2021 21:24

@Aprilwasverywet

Interesting fact - Sting attended Gosforth High many years ago!!
Ooh I didn’t know that.
OP posts:
AuntyMabelandPippin · 08/06/2021 21:36

@Aprilwasverywet

Interesting fact - Sting attended Gosforth High many years ago!!
I thought it was St Cuthbert's?
Original poster
Thatswatshesaid · 09/06/2021 20:06

Bump

OP posts:
ChampagneJam · 09/06/2021 20:19

I opened this thread as I lived in the area for a while some years ago and knew someone whose son went to what was then Gosforth High, I assume it's the same school

I can't tell you what it's like now but I'm as sure as I can be that Sting did not go there, who told you that @Aprilwasverywet ? I also knew someone whose children went to St Cuthberts who told everyone about the famous old boy Grin

cafenoirbiscuit · 09/06/2021 20:45

I went to GA many moons ago. Sting didn't go there, but Alan Shearer and Mark Knopfler did.
the head of 6th form allegedly told MK that playing guitar was a great hobby but he needed to spend more time revising for his A levels because music wasn't going to make him as much money as a solid career would. Maybe an urban legend, but it sure kept us amused.

Batshitmeansbatshit · 13/06/2021 21:07

Hi, my kids are heading to WBHS, but no experience yet. Only heard good things as it is very well thought of. Maybe try a Whitley bay or Monkseaton Facebook group or similar to get some direct and recent experience?

Batshitmeansbatshit · 13/06/2021 21:09

Oh and WBHS also starts in year 9 as we have the 3 tier system

Wearegoingtoneedabiggerboat · 13/06/2021 21:51

My two children are in WBHS they have thrived there. It’s a great school, really good exam results as well.
You will have to be in the catchment area though as they are over subscribed.

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