Teesside High School

Since 2013, Kirsty Mackenzie, who attended a state school in Darlington. Physics degree from Leeds University, PGCE from Durham. After eight years teaching in a Middlesbrough state school, took the plunge into the independent sector. Joined the

From 3+ into nursery. Entrance into pre-prep and prep via non-selective taster day to check ‘fit’. Behaviour and aptitude are the only criteria at this stage. At 11+ (including those from the prep), computerised assessment for literacy, numeracy and

Vast majority progress from prep into year 7 (automatic entry). Nearly half leave for colleges post GCSEs, usually for vocational courses or for ‘a respite from fees’. Over 90 per cent of sixth formers to university, around half to Russell Group.

In 2024, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 15 per cent A*/A at A level (42 per cent A*-B).

In prep, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is used, with its ‘thinking curriculum’ evidenced by children spending a lot of time working things out together in groups during our visit. Lessons revolve around discovery and developing

The non-selective (and ‘fantastic’, according to parents) admissions process and small class sizes appeal to parents of children with SEN, one telling us the school ‘was so concerned about our son’s welfare’. SENCo doubles up as the assistant head,

The foyers to both prep and senior schools boast art and sculpture displays, and every corridor is adorned with student artwork, including photography. Art facility has recently been refurbed into a well-designed, light and airy space, also

Extensive grounds, including the river, provide opportunities for a wide range of sports, of which the main ones are hockey, netball and athletics. Particular success in county hockey, but no one sport favoured over another, say parents. The school’s

Parents and pupils say the emphasis is on nurture over results, and the sense of support and care is endemic. One student told us he moved to Teesside in prep as a teacher at his previous school didn’t know his name: ‘That would never happen here.’

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Good ethnic diversity, with intake from across the north-east from Teesside, Stockton, Yarm, North Yorkshire and Darlington. Six bus routes. Mostly professional people making sacrifices to send their child here. We spoke with several ex-students who

Between eight and 12 scholarships for academic, music and sports from years 7-11, currently amounting to £1,000 a year (but under review to bring into line with the sixth form scholarships at 20 per cent off fees). Means-tested bursaries reviewed

A little crumpled on the outside, but with transformational approaches to learning and strong pastoral support. A nurturing community environment where academic outcomes are not the priority, though still creditable. Ideal for those whose focus is on