Founded in 1970, through the amalgamation of the Queen Victoria High School and the Cleveland School. It is situated in 19 acres of beautiful wooded grounds on the banks of the River Tees, thus having the benefit of a rural setting in an urban area. It is a purpose-built school with excellent modern facilities including a sixth-form centre, sports hall and specialist areas for music, art, technology and ICT. Academic standards are high and examination results are very good. The school is in the process of becoming co-educational, though girls and boys will be taught separately between the ages of 9 and 16. Boys were first admitted to the prep school in 2005, and at aged 11 and 16 in 2008. Music, drama and art are all well supported and plentiful use is made of the cultural facilities of Newcastle, Durham and York. The school is well provided with playing fields and standards in games and sports are high (representatives at county, regional and national level). The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is popular as are various extra-curricular and outdoor activities. Community service is encouraged and there is a Young Enterprise Group.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 390 day pupils (52 boys, 338 girls); first year of boys in the senior school. Senior department 11-18, 300 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used. For sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C including English, maths and science (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Academic potential looked for; no religious requirements. State school entry, 33% of main senior intakes.
Academic scholarships available. Means-tested bursaries are available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmaster: Thomas Packer, in post from 2006. Educated at Kimbolton and at Durham University (physics and mathematics). Previously Head at Stover, Deputy Head at Victoria College, Jersey, Head of Science at Downe House and taught physics at Hereford Cathedral School. Teaching staff: 38 full time, 14 part time. Average age 39.
GCSE: 45 pupils in Year 11, 84% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 13% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 24 in upper sixth: all passed in 3+ subjects (excluding general studies), with an average final point score of 348.
100% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 15% in humanities and social sciences, 40% in other vocational subjects (eg radiography, physiotherapy, education). Others occasionally go on to further professional training.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 23 AS/A-level (including Greek). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at both AS and A-level; in addition, A-level general studies optional. 20% take science/maths A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 45% both. Vocational: Work experience for all in sixth form. Special provision: Dyslexic, mildly visually and physically handicapped pupils accepted; private EFL coaching arranged. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level (French compulsory from age 7, German from 11). Regular visits to France (working holidays with specific language assignments); German exchange. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg in projects, essays, coursework); most pupils take Clait in Year 9. 200 computers for pupil use (for whole school day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 75% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, choirs, wind band, flute and string quartets, recorder ensembles. 20+ in county youth orchestras and choir. Drama and dance: Both offered. Poetry Society and Guildhall exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered.
Sport: Hockey, netball, rugby, football, cricket, gymnastics, dance, tennis, athletics, rounders, swimming. Also indoor hockey, badminton, aerobics, orienteering, climbing, canoeing, sailing, rowing, fencing, volleyball, table tennis. AAA and ASA exams may be taken. District and county levels in many sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 10 clubs, eg drama, public-speaking. Young Enterprise in Year 12. Community sports leaders awards in Year 12.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Houses in prep school. Head of school elected by peers and staff. Religion: Christian. All, except strict orthodox, attend multi-faith assembly. Social: Debates, concerts; community work, plays. Trips abroad include French, German, classics visits, ski visit, individual exchanges. Sixth form allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service.
Based on the principle of respect, few formal rules. Positive and reinforcing. Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to be seen by staff; those caught taking drugs are likely to be expelled.
is run by Mrs S Brown, c/o the school.
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