Ages 
Pupils of all abilities flourish in this warm, supportive and enabling small school community. Manages extremely well with the disadvantages of scale, and a magnificent but costly stately pile to maintain, to provide the breadth of subjects and opportunities so that pupils do not lose out. Parents say their children leave as well-rounded individuals who know their strengths and weaknesses and have confidence in their abilities. A great alternative for the people of the borders and north Northumberland to have on their doorstep.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 333 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 46 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £13,050 - £18,738; Boarding £26,244 - £35,748 pa
- Local authority
- Northumberland Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Jonathan Lee
Since 2016, Jonathan Lee MA PGCE ACA, previously housemaster and maths teacher at Uppingham. Psychology degree from St Andrews and a first career in corporate finance, qualifying as an accountant. His finance skills stand him in good stead with a
Entrance
A taster day (or two) with assessment for all, followed by an interview with the head and a character reference from previous school, but will take anyone capable of benefiting from what’s on offer. Entry at 16+ by papers in A level subjects,
- Open days
- September and April
Exit
Just over half leave after GCSEs. Those who stay go mostly to university, about 40 per cent to Russell Group. Newcastle, Abertay and Northumbria popular. Wide variety of courses: agricultural management, theatre, art, business and engineering.
Latest results
In 2024, 29 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 18 per cent A*/A at A level (43 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 22 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 15 per cent A*/A at A level (31 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Dusting of A*/As across most subjects at A level and a consistently solid pass rate but also quite a smattering of C/Ds. Good choice of subjects include sports science, computer science and psychology; EPQ for those up to it. Inevitably small groups
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Successful track record with children across the whole ability spectrum has seen a rise in numbers over the last few years. Currently over 80 pupils receive additional support, tailored to individual need and delivered by a dedicated team, through a
Arts & extracurricular
Lots of choir, orchestra, jazz groups etc and nearly a third of the school has individual tuition, but little take-up of academic music beyond GCSE. Informal lunchtime concerts much enjoyed by all. Special centre for peripatetic music in a pretty
Sport
For a small school, punches well above its weight across a wealth of disciplines. Fields teams in traditional sports; some national rugby players and county hockey players. Badminton has gone from strength to strength with a number of county
Boarders
With just 20 or fewer boarders, about half of them full, and a dedicated non-teaching housemaster in charge (ably assisted by four non-teaching boarding staff), it’s a very different boarding experience here; more ‘an extended family’, said one girl
Ethos & heritage
The grand façade of this remarkable Victorian Tudor mansion, built in the 1870s, is dominated by the elaborate portico added to shelter the Prince of Wales’s carriage (though it’s not documented whether he ever arrived to use it). Built for Sir
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care is a real strength of the school. Pupils talk about it ‘being open and welcoming’, the size encouraging friendships across the years – especially valuable in such a small and variable boarding situation – and excellent relationships
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Whilst in school, phones for pupils in Forms 2 – 5 should be switched off, out of sight and preferably in either bags or a locker, in keeping with the School’s Mobile Phone Policy. Sixth Form pupils are afforded the privilege of retaining their phones during the school day for use in supporting work in the classroom at the subject teacher’s discretion. They may also use them in the Sixth Form Common Room. Exceptions may be permitted only in circumstances if the parent/carer specifically requests it. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be directed to [email protected]. Please note that Form 1 and Junior Department pupils are not allowed access to mobile phones during the school day. These should be handed into their Form or Class Teacher on arrival at school for safe-keeping and collected when the pupil is leaving the school premises, either for a fixture or to go home.
Pupils & parents
A fleet of minibuses covering 14 routes bring pupils coming from a scattered area which includes not only Berwick-upon-Tweed and the surrounding border country in both England and Scotland, but also the Holy Island (Lindisfarne) population, whose
Money matters
Not a rich school but awards available for academic (up to 50 per cent), sporting (up to 10 per cent) or musical (free tuition) excellence. Means-tested governors’ bursary scheme subject to the usual assessment and interview admissions procedure.
- Fee information
- Day £13,050 - £18,738; Boarding £26,244 - £35,748 pa
The last word
Pupils of all abilities flourish in this warm, supportive and enabling small school community. Manages extremely well with the disadvantages of scale, and a magnificent but costly stately pile to maintain, to provide the breadth of subjects and
