Located in Felling, Ateres Girls High School serves the Orthodox Jewish community of Gateshead with a distinct dual focus: rigorous religious education alongside ambitious secular achievement. Founded in 2011 and occupying a 1930s former primary school building on Willow Grove, the school provides for girls aged 11 to 16. It is a community hub as much as an educational institution, deeply embedded in the values of the families it serves.
The school is led by Headteacher Rabbi Y M Katz. Under his leadership, the school navigates the complex balance between maintaining strict traditional ethos and meeting independent school standards. While academic outcomes are statistically high, the school's regulatory journey has been challenging; the latest Ofsted inspection in June 2024 rated the school as Requires Improvement, largely centring on curriculum breadth regarding specific protected characteristics.
For local families, Ateres offers an education that mirrors the home environment: disciplined, faith-centred, and focused. It operates as an independent school, distinct from the local authority system, and maintains a low public profile with no official website.
The atmosphere at Ateres is defined by the rhythm of the dual curriculum. The school day is structured to accommodate Kodesh (religious) studies alongside Chol (secular) subjects, creating a longer and more demanding timetable than standard secondary schools. The environment is described by inspectors as calm and orderly, with a culture of respect that renders low-level disruption rare.
The physical setting is functional rather than grand. The main building, a traditional 1930s brick structure, sits within a residential area. While it lacks the high-tech sheen of modern academies, it provides essential specialist spaces, including science facilities and art rooms. A shuttle bus service connects the school with the Bensham community, reinforcing the close-knit nature of the student body.
Life here is insulated from many aspects of secular teen culture. There is no internet access for pupils, and the use of digital technology is strictly controlled to align with community values. This 'low-tech' approach fosters a focus on text-based learning and face-to-face interaction. The ethos is one of modesty and diligence; students are expected to work hard and uphold community traditions, creating a supportive, sisterly dynamic across the year groups.
Academically, Ateres Girls High School delivers impressive outcomes. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57.8. This is significantly above the England average of 45.9, indicating that students achieve more than a grade higher on average across their subjects than their peers nationally.
This performance places the school 3rd among secondary schools in Gateshead and ranks it 1,671st in England, positioning it in the top 37% of schools nationally. The data reflects a 'National Typical' banding, leaning towards the higher end of performance.
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) average point score stands at 3.86. While entry rates for the full EBacc suite are lower than in state schools (often due to curriculum choices prioritising religious studies or specific humanities), the attainment in entered subjects is strong. The school's focus on core literacy and numeracy ensures students leave with robust qualifications.
Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The teaching style is traditional and authoritative. Lessons are teacher-led, with a clear emphasis on acquiring knowledge and mastering subject content. In the secular department, English and Mathematics are particular strengths, evidenced by the high Attainment 8 score.
The curriculum is split between Kodesh and secular studies. Kodesh lessons involve deep textual analysis, fostering critical thinking skills that transfer effectively to other subjects. In the secular curriculum, the school offers a range of GCSEs including Mathematics, Science, English, Art & Design, and Geography. Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew (Classical Languages) are also central pillars of the academic offer.
However, the curriculum has faced scrutiny. Ofsted has previously noted that the range of subjects can be narrower than in the state sector, with less emphasis on technology. The teaching of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education has been a specific point of contention between the school and inspectors, particularly regarding the teaching of protected characteristics. Families choose the school knowing that the curriculum is filtered to align with religious precepts.
Admission to Ateres Girls High School is handled directly by the school, not through Gateshead Council. The process is informal compared to the state sector but follows clear community lines.
The school serves the Orthodox Jewish community. Priority is given to girls from Jewish families in Gateshead and the surrounding area. There is no academic entrance exam in the style of a grammar school, but the school assesses pupils to ensure they can access the dual curriculum.
Families must contact the school office directly to apply. As there is no website, this is done via telephone or letter. It is advisable to inquire about places early in Year 6.
While independent schools set their own dates, families should aim to register interest during the autumn term of the year prior to entry (Year 6) to assist with planning.
Pastoral care is rooted in the community's values. The school is small enough that staff know every pupil, and the form tutor system provides a consistent point of contact. The shared ethos means that expectations for behaviour and conduct are consistent between home and school.
Wellbeing support often takes a different form than in secular schools, with a focus on spiritual development and guidance from senior staff. The school has worked to improve its provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), with a SENCO in place to coordinate support plans.
Safeguarding procedures are robust, though the tension between regulatory requirements and religious ethos has been a theme in inspection reports. The school maintains strictly secure premises, with controlled access to the site on Willow Grove.
Extracurricular life revolves around the Jewish calendar and community service (Chessed). Students are encouraged to look outwards, supporting local charities and community projects. This develops a strong sense of civic duty and empathy.
Creative arts provide a vital outlet. Art and Design is a popular GCSE subject, and student work is proudly displayed. Music features in school celebrations and assemblies. While there are no large-scale sports teams competing in national leagues, Physical Education is part of the weekly timetable, utilising the on-site hall and outdoor spaces.
Ateres Girls High School is an independent school, but it operates differently from the commercial private sector.
The school is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from parents. There is no fixed published fee schedule in the traditional sense, and families contribute based on their means and the community's collective responsibility for education.
Given the community-based funding model, financial support is intrinsic to the system. No child from the community is turned away due to an inability to contribute financially. Families should discuss contributions directly with the school administration.
Fees data coming soon.
The school is located at Willow Grove, Felling, Gateshead (NE10 9PQ). A dedicated shuttle bus service operates between the school and the main Jewish community in Bensham, ensuring safe and convenient transport for students.
School hours are longer than average to fit the dual curriculum. On Fridays, the school closes early to allow families to prepare for Shabbat; during winter months, this early finish is more pronounced.
Inspection Status. The school was rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in June 2024. This rating often reflects the specific conflict between the school's religious ethos and the independent school standards regarding the teaching of protected characteristics (specifically LGBT issues). Parents should read the full report to understand this context.
Dual Curriculum Load. The requirement to study religious texts alongside a full GCSE programme creates a heavy workload. Students need stamina and focus to manage the long days and intellectual demands of both strands.
No Digital Footprint. The school does not have a website or online parent portal. Communication is traditional, which may feel opaque to families used to instant digital updates.
Voluntary Funding Model. Unlike state schools, the school relies on parental contributions. Families are expected to support the school financially where possible to maintain the standard of education.
Ateres Girls High School is a unique institution that successfully balances high academic attainment with an uncompromising religious ethos. With GCSE results well above the national average, it proves that a traditional, low-tech education can deliver strong modern outcomes. It is best suited to Orthodox Jewish families who want their daughters educated in an environment that seamlessly extends their home values, and who are willing to support the school's distinct approach to curriculum and funding. The main challenge is the demanding nature of the dual curriculum, but for the right student, it offers a deeply supportive and coherent start to life.
Academically, yes. The school achieves strong results with an Attainment 8 score of 57.8, significantly above the England average. However, it currently holds an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement (June 2024), largely due to regulatory disputes regarding the curriculum on protected characteristics.
The school operates on a voluntary contribution model rather than fixed fees. Parents are asked to contribute according to their means to support the cost of education.
You must apply directly to the school. The school is not part of the Gateshead Council coordinated admissions scheme. Contact the school office by telephone or post to request an application form.
The school teaches a broad curriculum that includes National Curriculum subjects like English, Maths, and Science, but it is an academy of its own making (independent) and thus has the freedom to adapt the curriculum. It does not teach the National Curriculum in its entirety, specifically where content conflicts with religious ethos.
The school operates a 'low-tech' environment. Students do not have access to the internet at school, and the use of smartphones and social media is discouraged or prohibited in line with community standards.
Get in touch with the school directly
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