Last week, Ofsted launched a public consultation on changes to the way it inspects and grades schools.
Under the proposal, state-funded schools would be evaluated in at least nine different categories - including new ones like attendance and inclusion - with each given a colour-coded grade on a new, five-point scale.
The watchdog would stick with its decision late last year to drop overall one-word ratings, which had made national headlines after a coroner ruled that an inspection which saw her school downgraded contributed to the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.
However, teaching and education unions remain vocally unhappy with the new proposed changes, which they fear will have the same issues as the current inspection system.
If the proposals are implemented, schools will no longer be judged by whether their provision is ‘inadequate’, ‘requires improvement’, ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, instead each catgegory will be colour coded, starting with red (causing concern) on the left, followed by orange (attention needed), light green (secure), medium green (strong), and dark green (exemplary).
You can read more about these changes to Ofsted inspections here but below we have outlined where all the Newcastle secondary schools currently stand according to Ofsted’s grading system, before it all changes again!

. These are the best ranked secondary schools across Newcastle based on GCSE results.
These are the best ranked secondary schools across Newcastle based on GCSE results. | Google

1. Excelsior Academy
This site's most recent inspection was in May 2024. Each part of the report was rated good apart from the quality of education, which was considered to be requiring improvement. | Google

2. St Cuthbert's High School
St Cuthbert’s was rated good across the board following a February 2024 inspection. | Google

3. Studio West
Studio West in Denton was most recently inspected in December 2024. It was told it requires improvement across each inspection segment. | Google

4. Kenton School
Following a March 2025 inspection, Kenton School was rated good across personal development and its sixth form provision. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management were rated as requiring improvement. | Google


