Dryden School
URN: 131200 • Gateshead NE9 5UR
Overview
- Name
- Dryden School
- URN
- 131200
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Outstanding
- Ranking score
- 62.4 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Elizabeth Johnson (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01914203811
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Shotley Gardens, Gateshead NE9 5UR
Summary
Dryden School is a community special school located in Gateshead, catering to students aged 11-18 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. The school serves a diverse cohort of 71 pupils, many of whom may also face communication challenges, autism, or complex medical needs. Dryden School is committed to providing a personalised curriculum within a nurturing and therapeutic environment, aiming to prepare students for successful transitions into adulthood, whether that be further education, training, or social care settings.
The school is organised into three key stages: Key Stage 3 for ages 11-14, Key Stage 4 for ages 14-16, and a post-16 department for ages 16-18. Dryden School boasts purpose-built facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and dedicated learning spaces, which support the varied needs of its students. The staff prioritise collaboration with families and external professionals to ensure effective transitions and tailored support for each student.
Dryden School places a strong emphasis on personal development, independence, and community involvement. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, encouraging students to develop essential life skills and a sense of responsibility, while also promoting their integration into the local community.
The school is organised into three key stages: Key Stage 3 for ages 11-14, Key Stage 4 for ages 14-16, and a post-16 department for ages 16-18. Dryden School boasts purpose-built facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and dedicated learning spaces, which support the varied needs of its students. The staff prioritise collaboration with families and external professionals to ensure effective transitions and tailored support for each student.
Dryden School places a strong emphasis on personal development, independence, and community involvement. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, encouraging students to develop essential life skills and a sense of responsibility, while also promoting their integration into the local community.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- School Governors (governance)
- Attendance/Absence from School (sen)
- Gateshead SEND Local Offer Website feedback! (sen)
- SEND Information Report (sen)
- SEND LEGO Club (sen)
- SEND Swim sessions Heworth Leisure Centre 3-4PM Every Sunday! (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
- Admissions Information (other)
- Policies (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Emmanuel College (71.1)
- Gibside School (62.8)
- Eslington Primary School (58.1)
- Haskel School (55.3)
- Gateshead Jewish Nursery School (51.7)
Key details
- LA
- Gateshead
- Age range
- 11 - 18
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- Pupils
- 71
- Boys
- 49
- Girls
- 22
- FSM %
- 48.30
- Open date
- 1997-09-01
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2019-11-20
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Tyne and Wear
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 71 | 49 | 22 | 48.30 | |
| 2024-09-11 | 65 | 45 | 20 | 38.00 | |
| 2023-09-11 | 55 | 39 | 16 | 30.00 | |
| 2022-09-11 | 55 | 39 | 16 | 30.00 | |
| 2021-09-11 | 49 | 35 | 14 | 30.30 | |
| 2020-09-11 | 43 | 30 | 13 | 33.30 |
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