Children and young people are heading back to the classroom this week to start the new academic year. 
 

Schools across Northumberland saw another set of strong GCSE, A-Level and vocational results this summer with the vast majority of pupils going on to their first-choice destinations – whether that be further study, apprenticeships or employment. 
 

In the county, 97.3% of children will be starting at their first-choice school and 88.2% of schools are rated good or outstanding, with all remaining schools on track to improve. 
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “We are looking forward to welcoming pupils back to school after the summer break.  
 

“Despite the disruption of the pandemic, everyone worked so hard to achieve another set of fantastic exam results.  
 

“I’m really proud that so many of our young people will be starting at their first choice of school – and that so many of our schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.  
 

“We continue to roll out our biggest ever school investment programme – with over £100m earmarked for projects across the county. It’s a really exciting time for education in Northumberland. 
 

“However, we know that while most children will be looking forward to being back with their friends, the pandemic and the current economic challenges have meant that getting into school for some children and for some families is more difficult. 
 

“We hope families and young people will continue to work with schools, and our children and family services, so that we can understand if any child is missing school how we can work together to support them.” 
 

There are 163 schools, academies and free schools in Northumberland and the 5-19 population is 49,800. 
 

The council continues to work closely with all Northumberland schools to develop a county-wide approach to improving achievement, promoting inclusion for children and young people, improving outcomes for pupils in vulnerable groups, including SEND, keeping children safe, secure and healthy. 
 

The council and schools also work alongside a range of services and organisations that can provide support and help to children, young people and families. 
 

Audrey Kingham, Joint Interim Director of Children’s Services, and Director of Education and Skills, added: “We have the highest aspirations for all our children and young people and want them to thrive and reach their full potential. 
 

“Being in school for face-to-face teaching and time with friends is beneficial - socially, emotionally and educationally and for any child or family who may be facing challenges, I want them to know that help is there if they need it.  
 

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful school staff for all your hard work and to our parents and carers too, as they play a vital role. I wish everyone a great start to this new academic year.” 

 

Back to School Resources for Parents and Carers 
 

We’ve put together a guide to useful resources and support available to you and your child as they return to school.  

Here you will find information on all term dates and school closures for Northumberland. Always check with your school for the latest for any staggered start dates and teacher training days. School Term and Holiday Dates 

 

Free School Meals are available for those who are eligible. 

You could save up to £400 a year if your child gets free school meals and it will mean they get a healthy school lunch every day. All children in reception, year one and year two are also entitled to free school meals. 
 
If you are eligible, it is still important that you complete a free school meals application, even if you don’t want your child to receive a free meal. 

Your child’s school will get extra government funding for every child registered as eligible for a free school meal. This funding is to support learning and is called the ‘pupil premium.’  

Please apply for free school meals here. 
 
If you're not eligible and feeling financial pressures we're here to support, please contact Northumberland Communities Together. 
 
Phone the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub on 01670 620015 9am-6pm, seven days a week. 

 
Email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk 

 

Both schools and community organisations have a wide range of pre-loved uniform available to all.  

Please contact your school in the first instance or visit: Northumberland Communities Together 

 

• Find advice about entitlement to home to school transport, transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), information for parents, and information about bus services HERE 

 

• Travelling to school in a way that is safe, sustainable, and good for the environment, is something we want everyone to get involved in. It may even save you money, and improve your health, along the way. Find out more HERE 

Accessing the right support at the right time is vital for good mental health and well-being. In Northumberland, we have a wide range of teams and services supporting wellbeing and mental health for children and young people. 

Find out more here: Be You 

 

The Local Offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs (SEND) and their parents or carers in a single place. It shows families what they can expect from a range of local agencies including education, health and social care. Find out more here: The Local Offer 

 

There is lots of free support available to anyone who might be experiencing challenges in their family relationships. Find out more here: Healthy Relationships  

 

Northumberland Skills team offer residents a wide variety of full and part time courses for 16-18 year olds and adults; apprenticeships; career's guidance and employability advice and support. Read more here: Northumberland Skills