Bede Academy: North East England's Pioneering All-Through Academy

On the Northumberland coast, where the former mining town of Blyth meets the North Sea, Bede Academy has been rewriting expectations since 2009. Named after the Venerable Bede, the eighth-century Northumbrian monk and scholar, this all-through academy was the first of its kind in the North of England. Children enter the Nursery at age three and can remain until they complete their A-levels at eighteen, progressing through purpose-built facilities across two sites without the disruption of changing schools. The academy ranks first in Blyth for both primary and secondary outcomes; primary results place it in the top 15% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). A Christian character permeates daily life, recognised as Excellent across all categories in the March 2024 Section 48 inspection.

The academy operates across two purpose-built campuses designed by architects Howarth Litchfield Partnership. The primary site on Curlew Way houses Nursery through Year 6, while the secondary site on Sixth Avenue, built on the former Ridley High School grounds, accommodates Years 7 to 13. The secondary building alone comprises over 50 classrooms, a main hall seating 500, a lecture theatre for 200, alongside specialist engineering rooms, a recording studio, and drama facilities.

Mr Andrew Thelwell has served as Principal since April 2019, having previously been a Deputy Headteacher in West Yorkshire. His background in Biblical Theology from Manchester University and professional interest in values-driven leadership has shaped the academy's focus on character education. In May 2022, Bede Academy received the Kitemark+ award from the Association of Character Education, designating it as a Regional Hub for character education in the North East.

The school's motto, Valued Challenged Inspired, reflects an ethos grounded in seven core virtues: Love, Wisdom, Courage, Fairness, Self-Control, Humility, and Integrity. These are not abstract principles. The 2024 Section 48 inspection found that the vision, mission and virtues are firmly embedded within the academy, evidenced through high-quality relationships and exemplary pastoral, safeguarding and SEND care. Music underpins the Christian ethos in assemblies on both sites, accompanied daily by a student worship band.

The academy has been designated a School of Sanctuary, offering impressive care for formerly displaced young people. The Section 48 inspectors noted that these students are well integrated and have been positively welcomed into the academy, describing this as another outworking of its caring and inclusive Christian character.

Primary Phase

Primary outcomes at Bede Academy are impressive. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This places the academy first among primaries in Blyth and in the top 15% of primary schools in England (FindMySchool ranking).

Reading scaled scores averaged 108, with 43% achieving the higher standard. Mathematics scores reached 107, and grammar, punctuation and spelling averaged 108. At the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, 33% of pupils achieved this level, compared to the England average of 8%. Science outcomes are equally strong, with 93% reaching the expected standard against the England average of 82%.

GCSE

At GCSE, the picture is more nuanced. The Attainment 8 score of 46.7 sits close to the England average. Progress 8 of -0.1 indicates pupils make broadly average progress from their starting points. The academy ranks first in Blyth for GCSE outcomes, though performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile, FindMySchool ranking).

The April 2024 Ofsted inspection acknowledged challenges. The secondary phase has grown significantly over the last four years due to an increase in Year 7 pupils, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic. New curricula are now in place and pupils are benefiting from this. Early years teaching was praised, with reading highlighted as a particular strength, though inspectors noted that achievement in the secondary phase is not as strong.

A-Level

At A-level, 36% of grades were A*-B, with 14% at A*/A. These figures sit below the England averages of 47% and 24% respectively. The academy ranks first in Blyth for A-level outcomes but sits in the bottom 40% of sixth forms in England (FindMySchool ranking). For families considering post-16 options, these results suggest the sixth form is best suited to students who value continuity and the academy's supportive environment over raw grade outcomes.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum with specialist teaching from subject experts. Academic departments include Mathematics, English, Science (with physics, chemistry and biology specialists), Engineering, Sport, Modern Foreign Languages (French and German, with clubs for Spanish and Italian), History, Geography, Music, Drama and Philosophy, Theology and Ethics.

Teaching staff focus on engaging students' minds, not just their attention. The Principal emphasises developing independent thinking, with staff modelling strong leadership and accountability. The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated quality of education as Good, noting that reading is a particular strength and pupils achieve highly across the primary phase in national tests.

The sixth form offers both A-levels and T-levels across multiple subjects. Curriculum areas include Art, Business, Computing, Drama, Engineering, English, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Music, Personal Development, PE, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Science. Small class sizes allow for individual attention, with students encouraged to balance study with enrichment activities.

Since the sixth form opened in 2012, over 500 students have graduated. According to 2024 leavers data, 53% progressed to university, with 14% starting apprenticeships and 19% entering employment directly.

The academy has an Oxbridge presence. Three students applied to Cambridge in the measurement period, with one securing an offer and accepting a place. This positions Bede Academy among schools with Oxbridge success, notable for a comprehensive academy serving a coastal community with historical industrial heritage.

Careers education aims to raise aspirations so that students leave with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve others and make a positive contribution to society. The academy works closely with local businesses through its Engineering and Enterprise Forum, partnering with leaders from the Blyth and South East Northumberland region.

Admissions are coordinated through Northumberland County Council. The academy accepts students at three main entry points: Reception, Year 7, and Year 12.

For Reception entry in September 2025, offers were released on 16 April 2025, with an acceptance deadline of 1 May 2025. For Year 7 entry, offers were released on 3 March 2025, with acceptance due by 16 March 2025. Applications for September 2026 Year 7 entry must be submitted by 31 October 2025.

The academy is oversubscribed at both entry points. In Reception, 92 applications competed for 69 places; at Year 7, 206 applications sought 129 places. With 1.6 applications per place at secondary level, securing a place requires planning but is not impossible.

Oversubscription criteria are detailed in the published admissions policy. From September 2026, the academy will prioritise children of staff employed for two years or more and will measure distance using straight-line measurement. Families should check the Northumberland County Council online system to verify catchment status.

Parents interested in the academy can contact the admissions team at BAadmission@bedeacademy.org.uk. Open days typically run in autumn; contact the school for specific dates.

Pastoral care is a defining strength. The Section 48 inspection described the academy as a happy and supportive place in which to work, with exemplary pastoral, safeguarding and SEND care.

The academy operates a house system across both primary and secondary phases, building community and healthy competition. Dedicated pastoral staff and a chaplaincy team provide support for students facing difficulties, with prayer requests welcomed as part of the Christian ethos.

The April 2024 Ofsted inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Requires Improvement, the only area not rated Good. This reflects acknowledged challenges with a rapidly growing secondary phase, though the inspection also noted that leaders are addressing these concerns and new systems are in place.

Music

Music is the heartbeat of Bede Academy. The department provides extensive extracurricular opportunities, including termly concerts, an annual carol service, Presentation Day, Young Musician of the Year, and the academy production. Being a musician has become commonplace; the whole academy engages with music through curriculum lessons, assembly singing, Technical Intelligence Lectures, extracurricular ensembles, or private instrumental tuition. Student worship bands accompany daily assemblies, making music integral to the academy's Christian character.

Sport

Sport provision is comprehensive. Facilities include a large sports hall, dance studio, fitness suite, multi-use games area, badminton courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and floodlit artificial pitches. The former Delaval Middle School site has been developed into a cricket pitch with pavilion and additional sports facilities.

Highly qualified staff support teams and clubs across all major sports, offering activities at both recreational and competitive levels. The academy works closely with local sports clubs to ensure clear progression pathways beyond the school gates.

Drama and Technical Arts

The Main Hall features a large motorised lighting rig, high-definition video screen, 48-channel sound mixing console, and theatre-style technical communications system. The Lecture Theatre is equipped with a high-definition video screen, six-channel surround sound, and professional-grade audio mixing. The Recording Studio operates around an Avid C|24 control surface running Pro Tools, allowing students to develop industry-standard technical skills.

STEM

Engineering is a particular strength. Specialist engineering rooms support practical learning, and the Engineering and Enterprise Forum connects students with local business leaders. Over 750 computer workstations with interactive whiteboards across the academy support digital learning.

The primary site at Curlew Way operates Sunrise Club from 7:45am to 8:45am daily, including a light breakfast of cereal and fruit, at £3.95 per session. Sunset Club runs from 3:15pm to 5:45pm at £9.10 per session, including a substantial snack. After-school clubs for Years 1 to 6 run from 3:15pm to 4:00pm or 4:15pm. All bookings are made through the Evolve online system.

The secondary site at Sixth Avenue is accessible by bus from across South East Northumberland. The academy operates a restaurant on site. Contact 01670 545111 (Option 1 for Primary, Option 2 for Secondary).

Behaviour in secondary requires attention. The April 2024 Ofsted rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Requires Improvement. Leaders acknowledge the challenge and have implemented new systems, but families should discuss this aspect during visits.

A-level outcomes sit below the England average. While the sixth form offers continuity and strong pastoral support, families prioritising top grades may want to explore nearby sixth form colleges. The academy's strength lies in its community and character development rather than examination league tables.

Christian ethos is genuine and pervasive. Daily assemblies include worship, prayer requests are welcomed, and the seven virtues underpin behaviour expectations. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious practice should look elsewhere.

Rapid growth has created challenges. The secondary phase has expanded significantly since the pandemic, stretching resources. The 2024 inspection noted that new curricula are in place and improvements are taking effect.

Bede Academy offers something increasingly rare: a genuine community school serving children from age three to eighteen, rooted in clear values and delivering strong primary outcomes. The academy ranks first in Blyth across all phases, with primary results in the top 15% in England. Secondary and sixth form performance is more modest, sitting around the England average, but the school's strengths lie beyond raw examination data.

Best suited to families in Blyth and South East Northumberland seeking an all-through education with continuity, strong pastoral care, and explicit character development within a Christian framework. Parents should use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to weigh the academy's distinctive offer against alternatives in Northumberland. For families who value the seven virtues of Love, Wisdom, Courage, Fairness, Self-Control, Humility and Integrity, this is a school that practises what it preaches.