BELLINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE in Northumberland, Hexham

Education Centre Information: Bellingham Middle School and Sports College:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Northumberland
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Village - sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 122
Number of boys: 54
Number of girls: 68
Age Range: 9-13
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

This 'most remote and smallest of the 9-13 middle schools' serves the rural community of Bellingham in Northumberland. Despite its size, the school has the largest geographical catchment area. This spans roughly 1,000 square miles from the Scottish border to Hadrian's Wall, including the whole of Kielder Forest, the largest forest in Europe. Most pupils live in remote farmsteads and cottages, and some travel over 20 miles to school each day. The school building, surrounded by open fells and farming land, was constructed in the 1940s and has 'leaking flat roofs, coal-fired boilers, toilets with wooden seats and enormous corridors'. Facilities include 'spacious' playing fields, an all-weather yard, an assembly hall and a recently refurbished gymnasium. The school, which is 'well-known for the expressive and creative arts', is also an active participant in the local small school's network, so benefits from shared cluster teachers who bring an extra dimension into the school. 'Well established' procedures are in place to assist children with special educational needs. Youth clubs are run in the building, in addition to after school fun clubs and music, dance, sporting and computing activities. The school benefits from donations from a 'supportive and generous' community, despite the financial setbacks many farming families are experiencing.