A welcome from our Headteacher
Welcome to Ashington Academy! I am privileged to work with a talented and dedicated team who work hard every day to support the success of our students. I know that every member of staff at Ashington is committed to getting to know each child as an individual, ensuring they are both supported and challenged to bring out the very best of their abilities.
At Ashington Academy, we set the highest expectations for both students and staff. We believe every child has the right to a first-class education, delivered by teachers who make learning both challenging and rewarding. When you choose our school, you join us in aiming high for what your child can achieve, how they present themselves and interact with others, and who they will become.
There is so much more to Ashington Academy than what happens in the classroom. We offer a rich extra-curricular programme spanning the arts, sport, and academic enrichment—there truly is something for everyone. In addition, our student leadership and ambassador programmes give young people the chance to shape school life and pursue their passions.
As a result of this hard work, our students consistently achieve strong academic outcomes, grow in confidence, and leave us ready to thrive in the wider world. For the last three years our Year 11 outcomes have been above national and regional averages. This is down to our high expectations, the quality teaching in school, our comprehensive pastoral support and the hard work of students and families. In addition, we have been appointed as an Attendance and Behaviour Hub by the Department of Education, this recognises the work we do in these areas and means that we now work to support other local schools in driving improvements in behaviour and attendance. We are proud of the progress students make here, and the positive impact they have within school and beyond.
We are equally proud of our role in the local community. Our students actively support charitable causes, raising awareness and funds for organisations such as MacMillan Cancer Support, Wansbeck Valley Food Bank, Children in Need, "Daft as a Brush" Cancer Patient Care, Dementia UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, the British Heart Foundation and more. Beyond fundraising, we also open our doors to the wider community, regularly welcoming local universities and employers into school and hosting sports teams.
At Ashington Academy, we believe education is about more than just excellent grades—it’s also about shaping confident, compassionate, and ambitious young people who are ready to make a difference in the world.
We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child flourishes, achieves their potential, and leaves us with the skills and values to succeed in life.
Laura Smith
Associate Headteacher