Our Ofsted report 2026
Proud of our pupils. Proud of our community. Proud of what makes Longbenton special.
Following our inspection on 29 and 30 September 2026, Ofsted published its report on 10 November 2026. Inspectors recognised important strengths in our teaching, inclusive approach, personal development and sixth form, as well as the care and support that pupils experience every day.
Our school. Our values. Our community.
What Ofsted recognised at Longbenton
The inspection report gives families a detailed picture of school life. We are particularly pleased that four important areas met Ofsted's expected standard, alongside confirmation that our safeguarding standards are met.
Safeguarding standards met
Ofsted confirmed that the school has an open and positive culture of safeguarding, with concerns actively identified, acted upon and managed. Pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Curriculum and teaching
Inspectors recognised our well-sequenced curriculum, a clear focus on literacy and teachers who have secure subject knowledge. Pupils can explore a broad range of academic and vocational subjects as they develop their interests and ambitions.
Inclusion
Ofsted recognised the skill with which staff identify individual needs and match support to pupils. This includes pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and young people who benefit from additional support.
Personal development and wellbeing
Our pastoral support was highlighted as highly effective. Inspectors recognised the part played by our school values, PSHE, careers education and wide-ranging enrichment activities in helping pupils feel known, valued and confident.
Post-16 provision
Our sixth form was recognised for subject-specialist teaching, pastoral care and guidance about universities, apprenticeships and careers. Inspectors also highlighted students' opportunities to lead, volunteer and support younger pupils.
“At the centre of the school's approach is highly effective pastoral support.”
Ofsted inspection report, September 2026What our parents and carers say
We are grateful to all the families who took the time to share their views through Ofsted Parent View. Their responses reflect the strong sense of community, care and belonging that matters so much to us at Longbenton.
Source: Ofsted Parent View, 161 responses recorded up to 9 October 2026. Agreement figures combine “strongly agree” and “agree”. Results reflect survey respondents rather than all parents and carers.
Understanding the new Ofsted grades
Ofsted now publishes a report card rather than giving a single overall grade. It looks at individual areas of school life so parents and carers can understand what inspectors found.
It is important to understand that expected standard is a high standard. Ofsted explains that it means a school is doing what it should so that pupils receive what they need and deserve.
Safeguarding is considered separately and recorded as either met or not met. Longbenton's safeguarding standards were met.
Read Ofsted's guide to all report card gradesRead more from Ofsted
All of the official documents and survey results are available directly from Ofsted.
Our September 2026 inspection report
Read the full published report and inspection findings.
Read the official report (PDF)Ofsted Parent View
Explore all the questions and responses shared by Longbenton families.
View Parent View resultsHow Ofsted reports work
Understand the new report cards and the meaning of the different grades.
Read the Ofsted grades guideOne school. One community. Every pupil matters.
Our pupils made us immensely proud during the inspection. We are equally grateful to our staff, parents, carers and governors for everything they contribute to school life.
Our KIDMAP values continue to shape a welcoming, ambitious school where young people can feel they belong, discover their strengths and prepare for their next chapter.