the former Backworth station, which opened on 11 December 2005. The new development filled in the land between Shiremoor, Backworth and West Allotment, combining the three villages into a single town. Shiremoor & District Children's Treat Every year the local people hold a "treat" for the children of Shiremoor and surrounding villages. This tradition dates back to 1907 and has been held every year since. It was started by a group of men from the local pit and today is run by a committee of local people. The "treat field" was originally located along Algernon Drive. However, due to new developments being built it was relocated in the early 21st century to Earsdon road, near the Grey Horse pub. The Treat itself comprises many events that the local schools take part in. There is an art competition, a dance display, many sports competitions, including football, netball and hockey. There is always a tea tent run by the locals. Today a fun fair is held alongside the Treat. Each year the children of the local schools receive a free "Treat Ticket". The ticket gets them an ice cream and a souvenir. The local schools meet outside their school and "march" to the treat. This is usually led by a band and the school banner. Many local people join in the march as it is seen as very much a local tradition. The Shiremoor Treat was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in its history due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Education There is a Primary School located in Shiremoor, described by Ofsted as an outstanding school. It provides for children aged up to age 11, including nurseries for 2+. It is a large school with 350+ students and 52 places in the preschool nursery. In 2011 it was designated as a teaching school. North Tyneside Council's Pupil Referral Unit is located in Shiremoor. It is called Moorbridge and was opened in 2010. It caters for KS3 and KS4 children with Behavioural, Emotional and Social difficulties with up to 60 places. Most of Shiremoor falls into the catchment area of George Stephenson High School, in Killingworth. However, the southernmost estate, opposite Boundary Mills, is actually in the catchment area for John Spence Community High School, in North Shields. To the east of Shiremoor, in the Whitley Bay area, the schools still run on the three-tier system and therefore Shiremoor also falls