VALLEY GARDENS MIDDLE SCHOOL in Tyne and Wear, Whitley Bay

Education Centre Information: Valley Gardens Middle School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: North Tyneside
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: Has Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 730
Number of boys: 399
Number of girls: 331
Age Range: 9-13
Gender: Mixed
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Special Educational Needs:

SEN Priority 1:MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty

Background:

Valley Gardens Middle was originally founded in 1956 as a secondary modern school. It was converted to a middle school in 1973, with pupils transferring to the former local grammar for secondary education. The school is housed in a two-tier building within 'extensive grounds' which it shares with Whitley Bay High. Facilities include a large hall with stage, a gymnasium and two recently-refurbished science laboratories. Outside facilities include three football pitches, a hockey pitch, a running track, and a cricket square. The majority of pupils come from owner-occupied housing in the school's large catchment area. German is taught as a second foreign language and sports include soccer, rugby, basketball, netball, tennis and rounders. The school has an 'outstanding' record in sport and takes part in many competitions. Helping those who are less fortunate is also an 'important feature' of school life and each year large sums of money are raised for charity.