Schools & Education in South Shields
South Shields uses the standard two-tier comprehensive system, with primary schools feeding into a choice of secondary schools and sixth forms across South Tyneside. Here is how education works in the town.
South Shields' Two-Tier System
South Shields uses the standard two-tier comprehensive structure — primary then secondary — with no middle schools. Several of the secondary schools also run their own sixth form.
Primary School
Reception – Year 6
Primary schools take children from Reception to Year 6. South Shields' primaries include St Bede's Catholic Primary, rated Outstanding, and Hadrian Primary School.
Secondary School
Year 7 onwards
Secondary schools serve ages 11–16, with Harton Academy, Whitburn CofE Academy, and St Wilfrid's RC College also running sixth forms through to age 18.
School Profiles
Detailed guides to individual schools and nurseries in the South Shields area.
Best Schools in South Shields
From an Outstanding-rated Catholic primary to the top-ranked junior school in South Shields, here is your guide to primary schools, secondary schools, and further education in South Shields.
Find a Tutor in South Shields
From dedicated tuition centres on Cookson House to online platforms with dozens of local tutors, here is your guide to finding a tutor in South Shields.
Best After-School Clubs in South Shields
From gymnastics and trampolining at Temple Park to dance schools and youth clubs on Ocean Road, here are the best after-school clubs and activities for children in South Shields.
Best Nurseries in South Shields
From Outstanding-rated kindergartens to a parent-praised nursery on Beach Road, here are the best nurseries and childcare providers in South Shields.
School Holidays in South Shields
South Tyneside Council term dates for 2026/27, plus tips on what to do during half term and summer holidays in South Shields.
All South Shields Schools
The state schools serving South Shields, with the phase, age range, and latest Ofsted rating.
| School | Phase | Ages | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harton Academy | Secondary | 11–18 | Good (2024) |
| Whitburn CofE Academy | Secondary | 11–18 | Good (2019) |
| St Wilfrid's RC College | Secondary | 11–19 | Requires improvement (2025) |
| Mortimer Community College | Secondary | 11–16 | Requires improvement (2025) |
| Boldon School | Secondary | 11–16 | Requires improvement (2025) |
| St Bede's Catholic Primary School | Primary | 4–11 | Outstanding (2024) |
| Hadrian Primary School | Primary | 4–11 | Good (2022) |
Ofsted ratings are from each school's most recent graded inspection (year shown). From September 2024, Ofsted no longer issues a single overall grade at inspection.
Nurseries in South Shields
Early-years settings in and around South Shields.
Harton Village Kindergarten
Sunderland Road, South Shields, NE34 6AS
Ashfield Nursery & ELC
259 Stanhope Road, South Shields, NE33 4RT
Schools
Biddick Hall Junior School
Chesterton Road, South Shields, NE34 9SP
Harton Academy
Lisle Road, South Shields, NE34 6DL
Mortimer Community College
Reading Road, South Shields, NE33 4UG
Mortimer Primary School
Mortimer Road, South Shields, NE34 0RW
Sea View Primary School
Norham Avenue North, South Shields, NE34 7TD
South Tyneside College
St Georges Avenue, South Shields, NE34 6ET
St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Claypath Lane, South Shields, NE33 4PG
St Wilfrid's RC College
Temple Park Road, South Shields, NE34 0QA
Stanhope Primary School
Gresford Street, South Shields, NE33 4SZ
Activities
Resources for Parents
Lessons, Coaching & Tutoring
Local tutors covering music, academic subjects, sports coaching, dance, languages, and the arts. All based in or around South Shields.
Music
3 tutorsPiano, guitar, violin, singing, drums, and more.
Academic
3 tutorsMaths, English, science, and exam preparation.
Art & Craft
2 tutorsArt classes, drama coaching, and creative skills.
Sports
5 tutorsFootball, tennis, swimming, and fitness coaching.
Dance & Fitness
1 tutorBallet, contemporary, street dance, and more.
Languages
1 tutorFrench, Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.