Richard Coates C of E Middle School

 Headmaster: Mr. Paul Rusby

There has been a Coates Endowed School in Ponteland since Richard Coates, who died in 1719, left money in his will to start a school in the village. Originally for twelve boys and twelve girls, the School has changed greatly down the centuries, but still retains the basis of sound Christian learning for which it was founded.

Tombstone of Richard Coates, Benefactor, in St. Mary's Church, Ponteland.

Stone in wall of the Coates Institute, now an Estate Agent's Office in Main Street, Ponteland.

Since 1972, Coates has operated as a Church of England Special Agreement Middle School for pupils between the ages of nine and thirteen. It is supported by the Diocese of Newcastle, the Coates Educational Foundation and the Northumberland Education Authority.

The present buildings, opened in 1958, provide spacious, sunny accommodation for some 430 pupils. Situated in the heart of Ponteland village, the School has extensive playing fields and grounds, together with two hard surface playing areas. Internally, the building is brightly decorated offering a cheerful and clean environment for pupils.

School

Murals

The School has a fine hall for assemblies and gymnastics, a separate dining area and specialist rooms for Technology, Art, Science and IT. There are thirteen classrooms, a large library and the stage is ideal for plays and concerts.

Year Five pupils have their own classroom block, with separate toilets, locker areas, playground and entrance.

With the help of the PTA and the Coates Foundation, the School is involved in a continuing process of improvement. Most recently, new IT facilities have been introduced, and a new Music Suite has recently been opened.

As a Church School, Coates tries to set before its pupils the virtues and values of the Christian life.

In specific terms, its aims are:

to give to all children without discrimination the experience of a caring, supportive and enhancing community in which there is stimulation and enjoyment;

to provide access to a broad and balanced curriculum with appropriate cross curricular references and with the additional support necessary for those with special needs;

to enable children to develop as fully as possible their academic, social, physical and spiritual abilities, aptitudes and interests;

to encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning, developing lively, enquiring and independent minds;

to develop appropriate skills for literacy and numeracy, for working successfully with other people and for responding effectively to problems and changes;

to foster good relationships with parents, the church and the local and wider communities so that pupils can better appreciate their role in society;

to highlight the importance of good behaviour, respect for self, for others and for the environment;

to equip children for their future lives as mature and responsible adults.

Photographs. Courtesy of School; The Teaching: June Atkinson