Northgate School Arts College converted to become an academy school on 1 September 2011. When its predecessor school of the same name was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. It is a purpose built special school for students aged 11–19 that encompasses specialist facilities for art, science, food technology, resistant materials technology and physical education. All of the students have a statement of special educational needs and all are from the local authority. Although primarily a school for students with moderate learning difficulties, the numbers of students who have an autistic spectrum disorder and/or have severe learning difficulties have increased. The proportion of students who are from minority ethnic backgrounds or speak English as an additional language is below average. The proportion of students who are known to be eligible for the pupil premium is average. This is extra funding given to a school by the government to support groups of students, including those who are entitled to free school meals A new sixth form building is due to open in 2013. The school is part of a sixth form consortium which means the students can take part in a number of work related courses both in their school and other special schools. The other schools involved are Billing Brook, Friars, Maplefields and Isebrook special schools. Apart from the sixth form consortium, students do not have lessons in other schools or units.