Its roots date back to 1602. The reorganisation of educational provision in 1872 led to the opening of Newcastle High School (1874) and the Orme Girls' School (1876); the two schools became linked in 1981. It is set in some 30 acres of grounds in a quiet residential suburb close to the centre of the town. The original buildings still form part of the school and a number of extensions provide good, modern facilities. The school has built up a strong academic reputation and examination results are very good. Music and drama are strong. It is also well known for its high standards in games, with representatives at county and national level in many sports. There is a vigorous voluntary CCF and a mixed Scout troop.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1085 day pupils (c. 550 boys, c.550 girls). Senior department 11-18, 800 pupils (400 boys, 400 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs (3 at least grade B, 3 grade C), grade B in sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 50% senior intake. Many senior pupils from own junior school (Newcastle-under-Lyme Junior School, Bankside, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, tel 01782 664616)
10+pa academic scholarships, value £250-£2328 (at 11, 13 and 16); also sports scholarships at 13. Variable number of bursaries, based on family income. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Principal: Nicholas Rugg, appointed 2007. Educated at Royal Grammar School (Newcastle) and Cambridge University (history). Previously Headmaster of Redland School (Chile) and of Dulwich International College (Thailand), Head of History at Caterham and at Campion School (Greece). Also previously Vice-President of British Schools of Chile, IB Co-ordinator, and received ECIS Award (for services to international education). Teaching staff: 84 full time, 8 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 129 pupils in fifth: 96% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 126 in upper sixth: 77% passed in 4+ subjects; 14% in 3; 6% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 420.
95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 35% in science and engineering, 57% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design. Others typically go on to art courses or retake A-levels.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; additional general studies optional. 32% take science A-levels; 36% arts/humanities; 32% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: 25% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 11 musical groups including 2 orchestras, 4 choirs, wind band, jazz band, recorder groups, guitar ensemble. Drama and dance: Drama offered. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE; 10 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles also offered.
Sport: Swimming, rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory for boys to 16; swimming, netball, rounders, hockey for girls. Optional: cross-country, athletics, basketball, water polo, shooting, badminton, table tennis. Sixth form only: aerobics, squash, golf. BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. International representatives in badminton (2 pupils), rugby, squash, swimming, water polo; county reps in badminton, hockey, swimming, squash, cricket, rugby, netball; county/league champion teams, rugby, hockey (girls), netball, tennis. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service optional. Over 15 clubs, eg art, calligraphy, computing, debating, history, literary, school magazine, Scouts, BAYS.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl, their deputies and senior prefects are elected by the lower sixth and staff. Religion: Christian. Daily assemblies. Social: Organised trips abroad and exchanges annually. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a repeat or detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.
Geraint Vincent (ITN), Roger Johnson (BBC) Professor David McKay (natural philosophy, Cambridge); Professor Robert McKay; Sir Richard Bailey; Sir David Barritt; David Gilford (golf).
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