Newcastle-under-Lyme School, which attracts pupils from a large area of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, is a co-educational day school for 800 pupils aged 2–18. The present School was formed in 1981 through the amalgamation of Newcastle High School and the Orme Girls’ School, two schools which were endowed under an educational charity scheme for children in Newcastle-under-Lyme which has its roots in the 1600s. The two schools enjoyed a reputation for scholarship and for service to the community throughout North Staffordshire, a reputation which has continued with the formation of Newcastle-under-Lyme School. The School is also well known for its high standards in sport, music and drama, which play a major part in the co-curricular life of the School. The Prep School is adjacent to the Senior School and has some 300 pupils aged 2–11. The School is rated as ‘Excellent’ by ISI in both inspection categories.
Buildings and grounds. Set in 30 acres, the School is pleasantly situated in a quiet conservation area close to the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The original buildings still form part of the School and extensions have been added from time to time. A fine dining hall was opened in one of the wings of the original building, part of the continuing programme of development and refurbishment which was begun when the School reverted to full independence in 1981. The Millennium Sixth Form Centre opened in 2000 affording spacious new accommodation for senior students. The new Stinton building was opened in September 2014. Newcastle-under-Lyme School is home to excellent sports facilities, including pool, Astroturf and a new £3.5-million sports centre. The School has a Language laboratory, workshops, a Music School, an Art and Design Centre and a gymnasium. There are also tennis and netball courts and extensive playing fields adjacent to the School.
Organisation. The School is organised in two sections: the Preparatory School – Nursery (2004), Pre-Prep (2004) and Prep (1982) – which has up to 300 pupils in the age range 2 to 11, and the Senior School of some 500 pupils, including the Sixth Form numbering more than 150 students.
Form Tutors and Heads of Year have particular responsibility for pastoral welfare.
Curriculum. A broad curriculum in the first five years has English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as core subjects. All pupils also take a Modern Foreign Language, Latin, Greek, History, Geography, Religious Education, Music, Art, Food and Nutrition, Design and Technology, Computer Science, PE, Swimming and Games. Pupils have the option of taking Biology, Chemistry and Physics as a dual-award GCSE or as three separate GCSEs in Year 10 and Year 11.
Pupils take nine GCSEs and the great majority will proceed to take three A Level subjects in the Lower Sixth Form. There is the possibility of taking the Extended Project Qualification.
Choices in the Sixth Form include A Level Business Studies, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics, British Government and Politics and Physical Education in addition to the subjects available at GCSE. Pupils access our Aspire programme for Oxford and Cambridge Entrance and a specialist programme for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science applications.
Co-curricular activities. The main school games are Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Athletics, Tennis and Cross-Country for the boys and Hockey, Athletics, Netball, Tennis and Rounders for the girls. Swimming and Life Saving also feature strongly and there are opportunities for Aerobics, Basketball, Badminton, Golf and other physical activities in the Sixth Form.
There are also strong traditions in both Music and Drama and standards are very high. More than 200 pupils receive instrumental tuition and there are a number of concerts in each year with major performances being given locally. There are three major drama productions each year including one each at Upper School and Lower School levels plus a whole-school production.
The flourishing Combined Cadet Force has naval, army and air-force sections and there is also a Scout troop. Pupils also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme with great success.
Clubs and Societies meet during the lunch hour and after school.
Careers. The School places much emphasis on the importance of careers guidance, both in the GCSE years and in the preparation for higher education.
Admissions. Entry to the Nursery is on a first-come first-served basis. Entry to the Prep School and Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Senior School is by examination/assessment only. Pupils moving into the area may be considered for entry at any time.
Entry at Sixth Form level is by interview and GCSE qualifications.
Registration forms are available on request.
Scholarships and bursaries. The offer of a number of prestigious Scholarships has recently been enhanced with a range available at Year 7 and Sixth Form entry. They include academic, sports, music, art and drama Scholarships and Exhibitions.
Bursaries: A number of Bursaries are available for pupils applying for entry to the Senior School and Sixth Form. Bursaries offer assistance with School Fees, depending upon parental income.
Further details may be obtained from the Registrar.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Senior School: £5,033; Prep School: Prep £4,115, Pre-Prep £3,664, Nursery £50 per day.
Charitable status. Newcastle-under-Lyme School is a Registered Charity, number 1124463. The object of the Charity shall be the provision and conduct in or near Newcastle-under-Lyme of a day or a day and boarding school or schools for boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mr D P Wallbank, BA
Headmaster: Mr M Getty, BA Hons, NPQH
Deputy Heads:
Mrs J A Simms, BA, MSc (Pastoral)
Mr I S Dicksee, BA, MA (Academic)
Head of Sixth Form: Mr A Poole, BSc, MA
Finance Bursar: Mr A Cryer
Newcastle-under-Lyme Preparatory School:
Head of Preparatory School: Mrs K Thomson, BA, MEd
Nursery Manager: Mrs E Taylor, EYPS