Beech Hill Primary is a school of above-average size in the Denton ward of Newcastle upon Tyne. The attainment of pupils when they start school in the Nursery and in Reception is well below that expected for children of their age, particularly in social and communication skills. A very high number of pupils are entitled to free school meals. There are above- average proportions of pupils who use English as an additional language, including six who are at an early stage of acquisition, and of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Few pupils are from minority ethnic groups. The school has the Healthy Schools Award, the International Schools Award, the Basic Skills Award and the Activemark.