Nearly 90% of schools in the North East have been judged good or outstanding by Ofsted, latest figures show.
Ofsted's annual report reveals that by the end of August 2021, 87% of schools in the region were rated good or outstanding at their most recent inspection, compared with 86% nationally.
For primary schools, 92% were judged good or outstanding - higher than the 88% figure nationally.
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Meanwhile, 62% of secondary schools in the North East had those high ratings, compared to 77% nationally. Scroll down to see the full area by area breakdown.
Ofsted says that in 2020/21, the pandemic had a significant impact on both the type and number of inspections carried out.
During the autumn term, although routine inspections were suspended, they carried out emergency visits when serious concerns were raised.
The team returned to inspection gradually from January 2021, and 64 inspections took place in the North East during the year.
Among the schools inspected this year were Westgate Hill Primary Academy, in Arthur's Hill, Newcastle, that was judged outstanding, and Corbridge Middle School, in Northumberland, that went from requiring improvement to outstanding.
Emma Ing, Ofsted North East, Yorkshire and Humber director, said: "Nearly all children have suffered as a result of restrictions and repeated lockdowns.
"This is true for children in the North East, who have missed out on so much.
"So, it’s really important that we redress the balance and make every effort to ensure children regain a sense of normality in their lives and remain at school. After all, children only get one chance at school.
"Our return to inspections this term will help parents, government and the wider public understand how schools are managing the current situation and helping children catch up.
"It will also allow the many schools that have offered a good or outstanding education get the recognition that they deserve.”
Ofsted's official statistics for the North East also revealed:
- 98% of childminders were good or outstanding. This was above the national figure of 96%.
- For nurseries and pre-schools, 99% were rated good or outstanding. This was broadly in line with 98% nationally.
- For non-association independent schools, 77% were judged good or outstanding. Nationally, 78% had those ratings.
- By the end of August 2021, 86% of further education and skills providers in the North East, Yorkshire and The Humber were good or outstanding. This was above the national proportion of 83%.
- Covid-related absences in the autumn term 2020 stood at 7.9% in the North East. This included pupils self-isolating and shielding, including when a class or bubble was required to stay at home. Pupils who tested positive for Covid were not included in the figure.
Primary school inspection outcomes
(Table shows: area, number of schools inspected, percentage of primary schools judged good or outstanding as at 31 August 2021)
Durham , 212, 89%
Gateshead , 67, 94%
Newcastle , 72, 96%
North Tyneside , 55, 95%
Northumberland , 122, 91%
South Tyneside , 45, 91%
Sunderland , 81, 96%
Secondary school inspection outcomes
(Table shows: area, number of schools inspected, percentage of secondary schools judged good or outstanding as at 31 August 2021)
Durham , 31, 68%
Gateshead , 9, 67%
Newcastle , 14, 57%
North Tyneside , 16, 75%
Northumberland , 30, 63%
South Tyneside , 8, 88%
Sunderland , 18, 44%
