Case studies of successful learning environments: Carlton Grange Primary (Newcastle University)

Carlton Grange Primary is located in the northeast of England and serves 469 pupils aged 2 to 11 in one of the country’s most economically deprived areas. Despite significant challenges, such as a high percentage of students with English as an additional language and high mobility rates, the school stands out with high grade averages, attendance rates and satisfaction among teachers, students and parents.

Focus on language and experiential learning

Language development is at the heart of Carlton Grange’s curriculum. With students speaking 28 languages, the school emphasizes promoting both English and native languages, supporting language acquisition through peer buddies and interactive activities like Forest School sessions. The school’s 2023 Key Stage 2 progress scores exceeded the national average in reading (0.8), writing (1.5), and mathematics (1.8), reflecting the success of its student-centered approach.

Innovative approaches: The Forest School program

Central to the school’s innovative approach is its Forest School program. Weekly outdoor sessions encourage experiential learning, focusing on communication, self-esteem, and social skills. Activities like crafting, bushcraft, and nature exploration provide a learner-led environment, fostering creativity and resilience. This initiative enhances the social and emotional development of students. They gain confidence, language skills, build relationships, and develop a deeper connection to nature. These outcomes are particularly pronounced for International New Arrivals (INA) students, who often begin with limited English skills and minimal formal education.

A head teacher at the school commented:

“Every time I go out (to Forest School) children come running up to me and it always amazes me, how even if they’ve not got much English, they’re still desperately trying to get across what they want to say … like the nature, how the grass grows, how the trees work, what they’ve found on the ground, mini-beasts.”

Attendance rates and inclusive engagement

Attendance rates have steadily improved at the school, with overall absences dropping from 10% in 2021 to 8.3% in 2023, thanks to strong family engagement initiatives and a dedicated family support worker. Diversity is celebrated through community events and cultural activities. The school also provides targeted support for International New Arrivals (INAs), ensuring smooth integration into the English education system. Staff at Carlton Grange Primary work hard to improve attendance through a wide variety of methods, which recognize the challenges that families face in securing adequate food and housing and developing relationships and trust in a new country with different cultural expectations.

One parent commented:

“My son loves all the teachers and he is loved by them back, he’s very happy. It’s a very good school, exceptionally good with very good teachers.”

Challenges

Funding constraints remain a significant hurdle, limiting the expansion of the Forest School program, but Carlton Grange emphasizes strong leadership and evidence-based practices to justify resource allocation. Engaging parents and the community has also been vital in gaining support for outdoor learning initiatives.

Carlton Grange Primary demonstrates that with innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement, schools can overcome socioeconomic challenges and create thriving educational environments. By focusing on holistic development, this school serves as a model for fostering lifelong learning and resilience in children.

*This case study was written by Lucy Tiplady, Karen Laing and Liz Todd.

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