Yorkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Facilities.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Facilities.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Facilities-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Facilities-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In the heart of Jesmond, Newcastle’s leafiest, loveliest and most sought-after neighbourhood, you will find <a href="https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle High School for Girls</a> (NHSG) Senior School site, part of an all through-school for girls aged 3-18 yrs with around 700 pupils.  The Senior School (ages 11-18 yrs) combines tradition and modernity: think solid red-brick Victorian buildings paired with a striking copper-clad new addition (added in 2014), all tucked into a central campus. The Junior School (age 3-11 yrs) is located around a mile away on a beautiful five acre site. </p>



<p>As one of the schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) family, NHSG has been flying the flag for girls’ education in the North East for 150 years and is known locally for championing confidence, individuality and student voice. Academically strong, classes are relatively small – never more than 25 at Senior School (and less at its Junior School). There’s no specific religious denomination at NHSG but the school’s moral ethos is about kindness, self-belief and doing the right thing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES </h2>



<p>Split across two city-centre campuses – the main Senior School site known as the Tankerville campus and the nearby Brandling campus – Newcastle High School for Girls makes the absolute most of its compact urban setting. Since the 2014 merger that brought the school into its current form, facilities have been steadily upgraded to match the school’s ambition and creative buzz. Behind the main school you’ll find a full-sized astro turf and outdoor netball courts, while just a short walk away at the Brandling campus, the vibe is all things sport, drama and music.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sport-1.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5925" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sport-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sport-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sport-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are two sports halls, a tennis and netball astro, a fitness suite (with inductions from Y7 so girls can train confidently from day one), and further space over at Brandling. Hockey and netball are the school’s big hitters, but there’s an ‘anything goes’ attitude to sport – cross country, athletics, handball, tennis, swimming, cricket and football the latter of which is fast gaining traction with some girls playing at academy level. The School is brilliant at making sure that as many pupils as possible participate in sport right the way through to age 18. The school sports tour is a major event on the calendar and takes pupils to exotic destinations like South Africa every two years (Y10-Y13). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-amp-performing-arts">CREATIVE &amp; PERFORMING ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Arts-collection-2-.png" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Arts-collection-2-.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Arts-collection-2--300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Arts-collection-2--768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>NHSG has creativity running through its veins, and the facilities to match. From dance and drama studios to dedicated art rooms and music suites for the school chamber groups and orchestra, the Brandling campus is the beating heart of the school’s performing arts offering. Back in its main campus, students can explore everything from fine art and fashion to textiles, graphics and ceramics, with girls getting to grips with Photoshop and creating mood boards from early on. Y9 through to Sixth Form create outfits for the catwalk (including designs for A Level Textiles), and their annual fashion show is a must see, while the school musical (this year it will be <em>Grease</em>) is a full-scale production often likened to the quality of a West End production by its rapt audience. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Acadmics-DSC_3759.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5926" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Acadmics-DSC_3759.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Acadmics-DSC_3759-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Acadmics-DSC_3759-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Strong. In 2025 over 60% of GSCE grades were 9-7 (an increase of 6% on 2024), with 84% of grades 9-6 (a 5% increase). Meanwhile, at A Level around 40% of grades in 2025 were A or A* and more than two thirds of grades were A*- B with a 100% pass rate.  &nbsp;</p>



<p>In terms of subject options for GSCE, it’s a pleasingly broad subject range, with 26 courses on offer including some forward-thinking options such as Business, Food Preparation and Nutrition, German, Spanish and French, with taster sessions in languages early on to help girls decide what suits them. If a girl speaks a different language at home (Arabic, for example), that can be supported too. </p>



<p>There’s a Trilogy Science GSCE for those who are wanting to fit in other subjects, though in fact single sciences here, like many girls’ schools I visit, has a strong draw with a great STEM take up. In a smart and savvy move, girls from Y7 are learning about mobile app and web development as well as cyber security and AI literacy and have the option for Computing GCSE and A Level. The school even runs a cool eSports club, and some students attend national cyber security events like the <em>Cyber Explorers Conference</em>. </p>



<p>A Level subjects offered give the pupils a fabulous range of options from STEM focused, to the Arts, Languages, English Lit as well as more humanities based subjects requiring deep thinking, Whatever the subject, the students are pushed to get under the skin of it and to deepen their understanding.&nbsp; Generally, the girls start with three A levels but can take four if it’s right for them. Class sizes stay deliberately small, which means lessons feel more like seminars. Most girls here head off to their first-choice university, and the school has a solid track record with Oxbridge and top Russell Group unis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sixth-form">SIXTH FORM</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sixth-Form-DSC_8899.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5927" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sixth-Form-DSC_8899.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sixth-Form-DSC_8899-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Sixth-Form-DSC_8899-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its own dedicated Sixth Form Centre, complete with a sleek chill-out and dining space, private library, common room and even Café Six (Muddy loves), this is where the oldest girls on site can start to really own their space. Add in a roof terrace that’s become the unofficial outdoor study zone in good weather, and it’s no surprise the girls love it here.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Sixth Form setup prioritises personal growth alongside UCAS prep with an enrichment offering that includes life lessons such as financial literacy and study skills to public speaking and leadership. Local day trips are embedded in the curriculum, but the real showstoppers are the international offerings such as Paris for languages and Singapore for cultural exchange which are all part of a five-year plan so families can prepare well in advance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Student voice is strong here, with a voting system for Sixth Form reps (two per form), who sit on the Student Council which they call Forum and help lead change which, by all accounts from the girls, actually does happen! Sixth Formers have successfully campaigned for more diverse food options at lunch, and were part of the plans for a new Sixth Form dress code.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alongside the traditional university routes for which the school is known, pathways from school are becoming increasingly diverse with gap years, degree apprenticeships or studying abroad all on the menu, and NHSG steers a smart path through the options with a dedicated careers advisor, regular talks from visiting speakers, university admissions teams, alumnae and experts all serving to make sure the girls are exposed to as many career pathway ideas as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Pastoral-DSC_3220.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Pastoral-DSC_3220.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Pastoral-DSC_3220-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Pastoral-DSC_3220-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>IIn the last few years, and already with a strong reputation, the school has significantly stepped up its pastoral care offer – so much so that this year they won our prestigious Muddy Best Schools Award for Outstanding Pastoral Care 2025 (the most highly contested category in the Awards). </p>



<p>At the heart of the offering is its approach that makes sure that every single member of the staff is trained and supported in providing the very best care for every one of its pupils. It has made a real impact with 97% plus saying that they feel like they belong and that they are proud to be part of the school in recent pupil surveys.  PSHE lessons see the girls learning about everything from first aid to sexual harassment and toxic masculinity. Girls also rave about the dedicated Pastoral Hub, where support, conversation, and reassurance are always on the menu. New initiatives have been introduced such as a calm and welcoming wellbeing hub open to all girls from Y7-Y13 – think mindfulness lounge meets relaxation retreat, complete with grounding techniques, chill-out zones, and rooms for quiet time.  </p>



<p>With both a full time School Nurse and a counsellor, the girls feel school is a safe space, and its staff approachable. A strong enrichment programme includes everything from outdoor meditation to wellbeing clubs, all designed to support emotional health alongside academic life. New students, especially those joining mid-year, are paired with a buddy, and older girls play a part in helping the youngest settle in, especially those moving up from Junior School. Transition is very well supported through the School’s Intro Year 7 programme which makes for a seamless move both academically and pastorally.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Quirks-180325-6.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Quirks-180325-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Quirks-180325-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Quirks-180325-6-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The school has its own branded gin (don’t worry, strictly for grown-ups), and recently had a collaboration with Michilin star restaurant Hjem.&nbsp; Rumour has it that the Head isn’t shy of a karaoke *mic drop*.  Former staff alumnae include Dame Margaret Barbour – as in <em>the</em> Barbour of wax jacket fame and lots of women who are trailblazing in their field. And there’s an annual Christmas pantomime written by the Head of Drama and starring the staff – apparently it’s a hoot.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Head-Preferred-NHSG-print-0018.jpg" alt="NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS" class="wp-image-5930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Head-Preferred-NHSG-print-0018.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Head-Preferred-NHSG-print-0018-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Head-Preferred-NHSG-print-0018-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Amanda Hardie who oversees the whole school from age 3-18 yrs, was first through the doors 29 years ago as a fresh-faced NQT and has been in love with the school ever since. When NHSG merged into its current form in 2014, she became Deputy Head at the Senior School, and in her current role since 2024, she’s continued her ambition to shape NHSG into the ultimate future-ready school. To that end, she’s made academic improvement a priority, and is passionate about evolving the curriculum with a strong focus on future skills, adaptability and preparing girls for the world beyond the school gates. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE </h2>



<p>It’s an 8am for Juniors and Seniors and the doors stay open until 6pm, meaning the girls can stay on site to work, relax, or join in with after-school clubs. There’s a vast menu of extra- curricular clubs from coding and creative dance to trampolining and musical theatre. New suggestions from the girls often translate into a several new clubs per term.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND </h2>



<p>Learning Support is embedded across the school and there’s a full time SENDCo leading a team that helps those with moderate learning issues such as dyslexia and ADHD. Most support is within the classroom if possible though additional assistance one-to-one and in small groups is also available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>A fairly recent ISI report (*gasp*) from 2023. <a href="https://www.isi.net/reports/view?t=c&amp;r=ROU6315_20230926.pdf&amp;s=6315&amp;si=6315&amp;fn=TmV3Y2FzdGxlIEhpZ2ggU2Nob29sIGZvciBHaXJscyBHRFNUIC0gUm91dGluZSBJbnNwZWN0aW9ucyAyMDIz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read the report.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy-nbsp">MOBILE PHONE POLICY&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mobiles are turned off and put in a locker once in school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>A comprehensive <a href="https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net/school-transport/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini bus service</a> goes all the way out to Sunderland, with girls coming from Northumberland, Durham and the coast. The are nine buses doing the rounds in total, but most pupils live within 30 miles of the school. There’s also a shuttlebus that moves between the two sites.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Around average for the area. The Junior fees (Y1-6) are £4,728, and Senior School fees are £5,986 (inclusive of VAT). Factor in that school lunches are an additional cost of roughly £300 per term.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-video">SCHOOL VIDEO</h2>



<p>Want the official view? Watch it <a href="https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-street-nbsp">WORD ON THE STREET&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The school has a good reputation for leaning into dilemmas for modern pupils – AI, IT, practical subjects, and a portfolio of after school options. Parents are fans of its all-rounder ethos, though they’re unsurprisingly pleased at the exam success and hiking grades&nbsp;<br></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong>  Those looking for a school that lavishes attention. With 700 pupils across Early Years, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form, there’s excellent pastoral care provision along with rigorous academics. </p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> If your idea of private school is Palladian mansions and tree-lined approaches, handbrake turn now. This Senior School is a city slicker.  Its Junior School on the other hand offers a little bit of countryside right in the middle of the city so start early and you have the benefit of both. </p>



<p><strong>DARE TO DISAGREE:</strong> Be my guest! Have a nose during Whole School <a href="https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net/open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Week</a>: Tues 10 – Fri 13 Mar. </p>



<p><a href="https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Newcastle High School for Girls</em></a><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Senior School: Tankerville Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3BA</em>&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Junior School: Chapman House, Sandyford Park, Newcastle upon</em><em> Tyne, NE2 1TA</em>&nbsp;</p>


Newcastle High School for Girls (Senior)

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