The school is of slightly below average size, serving an area of considerable social and economic disadvantage in central Gateshead. The proportion of pupils entitled to a free school meal is very high compared to the national average and there are more pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities than in most schools. The majority of pupils come from the immediate locality, which is subject to redevelopment. Most pupils are of White British heritage and very few do not have English as a home language. Movement amongst the pupil population is high. Children enter the Nursery with attainment well below expectations for their age.