Business Details
Empowering Young Minds Through Excellence in Education
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 and supportive environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. Our school prides itself on its strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. With a focus on holistic development, we offer a broad curriculum enriched by educational and residential visits that extend learning beyond the classroom. Our dedicated team of educators combines extensive experience with a passion for teaching, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere that prepares students for future success.We maintain rigorous safeguarding policies and actively promote wellbeing, online safety, and anti-bullying initiatives to ensure a secure environment for all. Our exceptional academic achievements, including consistently high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, reflect our unwavering dedication to educational excellence. We work closely with parents and carers to build strong partnerships that support each child's unique learning journey. Our school's accolades, including recognition for sporting achievements and community engagement, underscore our position as a leading primary school in the region.
Services
Primary Education
After-School Clubs
Educational Visits
Residential Visits
SEND Support
Safeguarding Services
Online Safety Programs
Highlights and features
- We maintain consistently high academic standards with 92% of pupils meeting expected reading standards.
- Our inclusive environment supports children of all abilities through tailored educational programs.
- We offer enriching extracurricular activities including residential visits and specialist music lessons.
- Our safeguarding policies ensure a secure learning environment for all students.
- We provide dedicated SEND support with a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator.
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 skills in literacy, numeracy, and creative subjects. With consistently high academic results, including 96% of pupils meeting expected maths standards, we prepare children for secondary education through a balanced mix of academic rigor and personal development.
Educational Visits
Our educational visits program takes learning beyond the classroom with carefully planned excursions to locations like Bamburgh Castle and Bowes Museum. These experiences enhance curriculum topics while developing pupils' social and observational skills. All visits are fully risk-assessed and linked to specific learning objectives, ensuring valuable educational outcomes while maintaining student safety and engagement.
SEND Support
We provide specialist support for pupils with special educational needs through our dedicated SEND program. Led by qualified coordinator Georgia O'Mara, our inclusive approach ensures appropriate resources and individualized learning plans. We work closely with parents and external agencies to create tailored support strategies that enable every child to achieve their full potential within mainstream education settings.
After-School Clubs
Our after-school clubs offer diverse enrichment opportunities including sports, arts, and academic support. These supervised sessions extend learning beyond regular hours while providing safe childcare for working parents. With options like peripatetic music lessons and HAF program activities, we promote skill development and social interaction in a structured environment that complements our core curriculum.
Safeguarding Services
We maintain robust safeguarding protocols to ensure pupil welfare and school security. Our comprehensive policies cover online safety, anti-bullying measures, and emergency procedures. Regular staff training and clear reporting channels create a protective environment where children can thrive. These measures are independently audited to meet statutory requirements while maintaining open communication with parents about child protection practices.
People
Andrew Bainbridge
Headteacher
Andrew Bainbridge leads our school with extensive educational leadership experience, overseeing curriculum development and staff training to maintain high teaching standards.
Georgia O'Mara
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Georgia O'Mara manages our SEND provision, creating tailored learning strategies and coordinating specialist support for pupils with additional needs across all year groups.
J. Willis
School Office Manager
Mrs J. Willis oversees school administration, handling information requests and coordinating communication between staff, parents, and external partners efficiently.
Questions
How do I apply for a school place?
Contact Mrs J. Willis in our school office for admission information and registration procedures for the 2026 intake.
What after-school provisions are available?
We offer daily breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and peripatetic music lessons with various activities and supervised care options.
How does the school support children with special needs?
Our dedicated SENDco Georgia O'Mara provides individualized learning plans and specialist resources for pupils requiring additional support.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We maintain comprehensive safeguarding policies including online safety programs, anti-bullying initiatives, and strict visitor protocols.
Are educational trips included in the curriculum?
Yes, we organize educational and residential visits across Key Stage 2 to enhance learning experiences beyond the classroom.
