Newcastle Preparatory School

Newcastle Preparatory School, located in the vibrant area of Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for children aged three to eleven. Established in 1885, the school has a rich history and a strong reputation among local families. It is a popular choice for parents, with entry points at nursery, reception, and year 3. The school does not select students based on academic ability, but children are informally assessed during a morning visit, and references are requested. Despite this open approach, the school remains highly sought after, with waiting lists extending up to year 3.

The school is housed in three and a half terraced Victorian houses, making ingenious use of space with linking stairways and classrooms spread across different floors. The top floor boasts an extensive science room, a well-equipped art and design studio, and music rooms. The ground floor is home to the nursery, featuring high-ceilinged, airy classrooms and a recently refurbished outdoor play area. The school also offers an adventure play area and a Forest School nearby, providing a range of early learning experiences.

Newcastle Preparatory School is well-resourced and staffed, with specialist teachers in French, music, PE, and Forest School from nursery, and art and design from year 3. Spanish, Latin, and some German are introduced from year 5. Each year group benefits from at least one teaching assistant, ensuring personalised attention for students. Class sizes are capped at 20, although they tend to drop to around 15 from year 3, allowing for more focused teaching.

The school prides itself on its traditional yet broad curriculum, which is delivered by primary specialists who know their students well. Cross-curricular learning is encouraged through project work, with whole school participation in initiatives like the STEM Jaguar Project. Regular assessments and group work help teachers tailor their approach to individual abilities, ensuring that all students are accommodated.

Educational visits enrich the classroom experience, taking advantage of the school’s proximity to the city centre and excellent transport links. Local museums, art galleries, and the countryside are frequently visited, along with virtual author visits during lockdown. Residential trips are organised for years 4, 5, and 6, providing valuable learning experiences outside the classroom.

The school’s library, refurbished and opened by author Anne Fine, is a central feature, promoting a love of reading across all year groups. ICT provision is strong, with interactive boards in all classrooms, a modern computer suite, and access to laptops and iPads. The school’s response to the pandemic was praised by parents for its personalised approach, offering a mix of recorded and live lessons, as well as extra-curricular activities like cooking and singing.

Around 15% of pupils have special educational needs (SEN), with provision included in the fees. The Head of Learning Support is qualified to carry out assessments and has strong links with external agencies. The school also offers extra stretch for more able children, both in lessons and through extra-curricular activities.

Music and drama are integral parts of the curriculum, with choirs and a packed calendar of events, including a talent show and an annual musical. Art and design are taught by a practising artist, with ambitious projects like puppet-making based on hydraulics. Year 6 students have the opportunity to enter a nationally recognised art qualification, with their work exhibited locally.

Sport is described as very competitive, with a focus on building resilience and bravery. Main sports include rugby, football, hockey, and netball, with opportunities for mixed teams. The school offers a variety of clubs and societies, catering for a wide range of interests, from knitting to chess.

Pastoral care is a priority, with a focus on wellbeing and a therapeutic approach to behaviour management. The school takes bullying seriously, with regular assemblies and visits from theatre groups addressing the issue. Leadership roles are available to year 6 students, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.

Parents come from diverse backgrounds, with many working in medicine, academia, and industry. They appreciate the school’s supportive environment and trust it to provide a well-rounded education for their children. Social events are well-attended, fostering a strong sense of community.

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