Schools in Gosforth/Jesmond

[NordicMum]

Can anybody here help with the schools in Gosforth/Jesmond? I was trying to find info on city council website, but it wasn't that clear. First of all, South Gosforth First school wasn't listed there at all. Also, at what age do children go to reception class? Does it mean pre-school? Do they follow the same timetable as older children and does it cost? As far as I know, the children from West Jesmond Primary go to Heaton Manor, but I would actually prefer the schools in Gosforth. However, according to website, children start Gosforth Central Middle School when they are 9, though the children in West Jesmond stay there until they are 11. Furthermore, I have heard that parents book places for their children from very early age. What is the benefit of that if the admissions procedure happens a year before anyway?

Hi, first of all there are 2 different systems here. Gosforth has a 3 tier system where chn attend a first school (R - Y4) then a middle school (Y5 - Y8) then a high school (Y9 - Y11) then sixth form or college.

However, Jesmond (and the rest of Newcastle) has a 2 tier system where chn attend a primary school (R - Y6) then secondary school (Y7 - Y11) then sixth form or college which is why they're different.

You cannot 'book' a place in any state school. Admissions policies are strictly applied and go with priorities...

1 - Looked after children
2 - children with special needs
3 - children with siblings in school already
4 - As the crow flies distance from the school

Oh, and if you're interested in church schools, regular attendance at worship may also be a criteria.

FWIW, I'd go for the Gosforth schools that feed into central middle then the high school but that's just my personal opinion.

Hope that helps xx

Oh, and children can start nursery the term after they are three and Reception the term after they are 4.

DS1+2 go to a Gosforth school.

First school is Reception - Y4, they start reception the school year they will turn 5.

Archibold First School, Grange First School and Regent Farm First School are great firt schools.

Gosforth Central Middle School and Gosforth East Middle School (or GEMS) are the filter school and they all go to Gosforth High School.

West Jesmond is a 2 tier, but is a great primary school. The alternative to Heaton Manor is Kenton Comp which you'd nd to apply for rather than filter into, which is a much better school than when I attended it years ago.