Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Primary Education Excellence
Bernard Gilpin is a vibrant and inclusive educational institution located in the heart of Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear. We are dedicated to providing high-quality education within a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. Our curriculum extends beyond the classroom through educational and residential visits, offering students diverse learning experiences. We maintain strong partnerships with parents and the local community to support pupil development. Our school consistently achieves above-national averages in key academic metrics while prioritising student wellbeing and safeguarding.With a range of after-school clubs and specialist programs, we cater to diverse learning needs and interests. Our experienced leadership team, including dedicated SEND and safeguarding coordinators, ensures every child receives tailored support. Through our commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to inspire students to dream, believe and achieve throughout their educational journey.
Services
Primary Education
After-School Clubs
Residential Visits
Educational Visits
Safeguarding Programs
SEND Support
Highlights and features
- We achieve 92%+ attainment in core subjects, significantly above national averages
- We offer residential learning experiences across Key Stage 2
- Our safeguarding practices meet rigorous national standards
- We provide specialist SEND support with dedicated coordinators
- We maintain strong parental engagement through regular communication
What people say
High-quality education
Nurturing environment
Excellent results
Dedicated staff
Comprehensive support
Services
Primary Education
We deliver comprehensive primary education for children aged 4-11, following the national curriculum with tailored learning approaches. Our experienced teachers create engaging lesson plans that develop core academic skills while nurturing creativity and critical thinking. With small class sizes and individualised support, we ensure every child achieves their full potential in a safe, inclusive environment.
After-School Clubs
Our extended learning program offers diverse after-school activities including sports, arts, and academic enrichment. These clubs provide safe, supervised environments for skill development and social interaction beyond regular school hours. With both free and paid options available, we accommodate various interests and family needs throughout the academic year.
Residential Visits
We organise residential learning experiences across Key Stage 2 to enhance classroom learning through practical application. These trips develop independence, teamwork and subject-specific knowledge through immersive, real-world experiences. All visits align with curriculum objectives while creating lasting educational memories for our students.
Safeguarding Programs
Our comprehensive safeguarding framework protects student wellbeing through rigorous policies and trained staff. We maintain secure environments with clear reporting procedures while promoting online safety and personal resilience. Regular audits ensure compliance with national child protection standards and prompt intervention when needed.
SEND Support
We provide tailored support for pupils with special educational needs through our dedicated SEND coordinator and specialist resources. Individual learning plans, specialist equipment and targeted interventions ensure equal access to education. Close collaboration with external agencies guarantees comprehensive support for children with diverse learning requirements.
People
Andrew Bainbridge
Headteacher
Andrew Bainbridge leads our school with over 15 years' experience in primary education leadership. He champions academic excellence while maintaining focus on student wellbeing and staff development. His strategic vision drives continuous improvement across all areas of school operations.
Georgia O'Mara
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
Georgia O'Mara oversees our SEND provision with specialist expertise in supporting children with diverse learning needs. She coordinates individualised education plans and collaborates with external specialists to ensure comprehensive support for pupils requiring additional learning assistance.
Questions
How do I apply for school admission?
Contact our school office to arrange a visit and complete registration forms for Reception class entry. We accept applications throughout the year for other year groups.
What after-school provision do you offer?
We provide daily breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and peripatetic music lessons with varied timetables across different year groups.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our dedicated SEND coordinator develops individualised learning plans with specialist resources and external agency support as required.
What are your academic results?
In 2024, 92% of pupils met expected standards in reading, 90% in writing, and 96% in maths - significantly exceeding national averages.
Are educational visits included?
Yes, we organise residential visits for Key Stage 2 pupils and regular educational trips aligned with curriculum topics.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain rigorous safeguarding practices including staff training, secure premises, online safety education and prompt incident reporting procedures.
Reviews (1)
Faye Stephenson
Oct 13, 2017
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Best school My to daughters have come on Great in this school my oldest has just left and Gone to kepier she is excelling in her lessons, I moved back to ryhope but decided to keep my kids in this school
