Dame Allan's Schools Review 2026: Three Centuries of Continuous Excellence

When Dame Eleanor Allan created her schools in 1705 to educate forty poor boys and twenty poor girls, she set in motion a legacy of educational continuity that few English institutions can claim. More than three centuries later, her vision remains remarkably intact. Dame Allan’s is described as an unusual North East independent, spanning nursery to sixth form (ages 3–19) within its distinctive diamond structure. The school has consistently outperformed regional and national peers, ranking in the top 6% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes and the top 12% for A-levels (FindMySchool rankings). With 77% of leavers progressing to university and over 200 clubs and societies enriching school life, this is a place where heritage and innovation coexist without awkwardness. The opening of the £8 million Jubilee Building in 2022 and the refurbishment of the Queen's Building in 2024 signal that investment in facilities matches the school's commitment to academic rigour.

Dame Allan's Schools in Fenham, Newcastle has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The independent identity is visible everywhere, the Anglican ethos infuses the environment without oppressiveness, and the competitive edge present in academic achievement sits balanced against genuine kindness among students and staff.

The Diamond Structure, which the school pioneered in the North East, creates a distinctive character. Pupils spend their early years and junior school in co-education, move into single-sex senior schools from age eleven to sixteen, and then reunite in a mixed sixth form. This progression is intentional: the school believes it offers the academic advantages of specialist, single-sex teaching during the adolescent years when boys and girls often develop at different paces, while maintaining the social benefits and broader perspectives of co-education at the bookends of school life. For families seeking this specific model, it represents a genuine differentiator in the independent school landscape.

The current principal, Mr William Maddin Scott, arrived in 2020 from a previous independent school leadership role. His tenure has coincided with substantial investment in facilities and a visible refresh of the school's technological approach. In 2024, Dame Allan's appointed an AI lead, reportedly the first such position in a North East independent school, suggesting forward-thinking leadership willing to challenge conventional models.

The school's Anglican identity, while significant, is not overwhelming. As a Church of England foundation, chapel services occur regularly and the Christian worldview permeates the pastoral framework, but the atmosphere is inclusive rather than prescriptive.

GCSE Performance

Dame Allan's sits in the top tier of independent schools in England. For the most recent cohort, 62% of all GCSE entries achieved the highest grades 9-7, compared to the England average closer to 54%. Within this cohort, an impressive 26% of individual grades were awarded the maximum grade 9, nearly four times the England average. Breaking this down by gender, boys achieved 53% grades 9-7 while girls achieved 65%, indicating strong performance across both cohorts with notable strength in the girls' school.

The school ranks 295th in England across all independent and state schools combined (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 6%. Locally, it ranks second among Newcastle schools for GCSE outcomes, a consistent position held for several years. The ISI inspection in 2023 highlighted a challenging broad curriculum, enhanced by wide-ranging co-curricular activities and extensive sporting opportunities, all of which contribute to academic outcomes and emotional wellbeing.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form shows similarly strong results. Almost 80% of all A-level grades achieved A*-B in 2025, well above the average for sixth form colleges in England. Of all exams sat by Year 13 pupils, 78% achieved A*-B, with nearly half (48%) awarded the top grades A* or A. These figures represent the second-highest performance since 2005 when records began being kept in this format, excluding Covid years when examinations were cancelled.

The school ranks 311th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 12%. Locally, it ranks third in Newcastle. The breadth of A-level subjects on offer is striking. Beyond the standard academic range, pupils can study politics, psychology, sports science, business and theatre studies at A-level, reflecting the school's commitment to personalisation and breadth.

The curriculum does not strictly follow the National Curriculum, which provides freedom to design a programme of study tailored to the independent school context. All pupils study English, mathematics, and sciences to GCSE, with at least one foreign language strongly recommended. This foundation-heavy approach ensures literacy and numeracy are not compromised.

Teaching is characterised by subject expertise and clarity. Class sizes remain reasonable: approximately 15 pupils in Key Stage One, 20 in Key Stage Two, and a maximum of 24 in senior schools, allowing meaningful teacher-pupil interaction. The senior schools benefit from specialist subject teaching, a feature that distinguishes them from many state-funded comprehensives.

The school's recent infrastructure investments directly support teaching quality. The Jubilee Building, completed in 2022, houses state-of-the-art science laboratories designed specifically for practical investigation. The Design Technology suite caters to sixth formers with current equipment, while the art exhibition space provides real-world context for creative study. The Engineering Society, for instance, designed and built a scale-model rocket using 3D printers located within the school, connecting curriculum learning directly to project work.

Foreign language provision spans French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, offering genuine choice to pupils at GCSE and A-level. The strength of Modern Languages is evidenced by the Culture française d'hier et d'aujourd'hui club for Years 10-13, suggesting both academic rigour and cultural engagement.

University Destinations

77% of leavers progress directly to university, a strong figure reflecting both the school's academic character and the sixth form's excellent guidance on higher education options. Just over half continue to Russell Group universities, with northumbria, newcastle, leeds, plus sheffield and glasgow representing the most popular destinations recently. Between 15-20% leave after GCSEs, primarily to pursue A-levels at alternative providers, a pattern consistent with schools offering a broader curriculum than pure academic focus.

Oxbridge Success

In the measurement period, the school secured one acceptance to Cambridge. While this represents modest absolute numbers, it reflects the academic rigour of the programme and the school's ability to prepare candidates for the most competitive university entrance in the country. The school does not publish a Oxbridge coaching programme explicitly, but the strong results in subjects like classics, sciences and mathematics suggest natural pathways for ambitious candidates.

Beyond Oxbridge, the school's track record in competitive professional programmes is notable. Recent cohorts have seen successful entries to medical school (eighteen places in one recent year), indicating the strength of science teaching and the school's ability to support candidates through highly selective admissions processes.

The co-curricular programme is one of Dame Allan's defining strengths, with over 200 clubs and activities available across the school. This is not a case of offering options simply for their existence; many clubs are substantive, student-led, and structured around real outcomes.

Sport: A Defining Pillar

Dame Allan's maintains a fine reputation for sporting achievement at county, regional and national levels. The major sports, rugby, hockey, netball, football and cricket, receive particular investment and support, but the breadth extends to squash, athletics, tennis, badminton, basketball, rowing, cross-country, fencing, golf, swimming, table tennis and weight training. From beginner to elite athlete, the school works to accommodate different levels of ability and commitment.

The new fitness suite, added in recent years, provides dedicated strength and conditioning space, reflecting investment in sports excellence. On-site facilities are extensive, though not all match the scale of traditional independent schools with acres of playing fields. The school compensates through active partnerships with elite local sports clubs. Newcastle Falcons (rugby), Newcastle Eagles (basketball), Newcastle University Hockey Club, Tyne United Rowing Club and Northumberland Tennis and Squash Club all work collaboratively with the school, extending access to leading facilities and coaching. The Dame Allan's Boat Club, established in 2024 in partnership with Tyne United Rowing Club, is a recent addition bringing rowing into the school's sporting portfolio.

Sports scholarships are available to students demonstrating exceptional talent and potential, enabling the school to attract gifted athletes while maintaining a broad sporting culture for all.

Music: Innovation and Tradition

Music flourishes, with a range of ensembles and groups catering to different interests and abilities. The school has recently launched an Endangered Instruments Programme, funded by a former pupil, which supports students to learn instruments threatened with obsolescence in modern orchestras. This programme captures something essential about Dame Allan's: the willingness to invest in cultural preservation while maintaining contemporary excellence.

Beyond the formal curriculum, choirs, orchestras and smaller ensembles provide performance opportunities. The school takes music seriously, with specialist teaching and regular performance opportunities through school concerts and external competitions.

Drama: Professional and Accessible

Three dedicated performance spaces allow the school to mount ambitious theatrical productions. Drama is available as both a curriculum subject and a co-curricular pursuit, with student-led productions occurring throughout the year. The investment in facilities suggests drama is central to the school's creative mission rather than a peripheral activity.

STEM: Engineering and Scientific Ambition

The Engineering Society represents a notable commitment to hands-on, project-based learning. The rocket project mentioned earlier is emblematic: A-level students researched the legalities of launching a rocket from school grounds, designed and purchased components, and used the school's 3D printers to manufacture specialised parts. This bridges curriculum learning and real-world problem-solving in ways rarely seen.

Beyond engineering, science-focused clubs include MedSoc, a student-led society for aspirant medics to discuss university entrance, ethical questions and career pathways. The school's investment in new science laboratories within the Jubilee Building signals confidence in STEM as a strategic priority.

Academic Societies and Student Advocacy

The Debating Club meets weekly, developing public speaking and argumentation skills. The Young Reporters Club engages students interested in media and journalism. The Archivists' Society explores the school's own 300-year history, with pupils researching the archives for historical insights. The Classics Club, popular with Year 7 students, suggests classical languages maintain a place in contemporary education here.

Environmental commitment is visible through the Eco Club and the Gardening Club, both well-attended. The School Council, FemSoc and the student-led Peer Mentor programme reflect genuine investment in student voice and wellbeing. The 20-week Listening Skills course, culminating in trained peer mentors supporting younger pupils on a one-to-one basis, goes beyond typical peer support systems.

Breadth Beyond the Obvious

Craft clubs range from origami to sewing. Technology clubs include coding, Lego robotics, Vex Robotics and E-Sports. Literature clubs span creative writing, bullet journaling and book clubs for different age groups. The Filmmaking Society runs weekly for Years 10-13, suggesting access to equipment and expertise in digital media production.

The school explicitly recognises that every academic department offers clubs and societies, not just traditional co-curricular departments. This breadth ensures that academic learning extends naturally into optional enrichment, and that students of diverse interests can find genuine community within the school.

Fees are £5,607 per term for the junior school (ages 3-11) and £6,901 per term for the senior school and sixth form, accurate as of September 2025. All fees are inclusive of VAT and include books and external examination entry fees. Lunches for junior school pupils cost £5.25 per day, while senior school pupils are expected to take school lunches at £5.40 per day, though sixth form students may choose daily options. Breakfast club attendance is free, but breakfasts cost £2.00 per session. After-school care is available at £8.00 per session after 4pm.

New pupils receive a Chromebook for academic use, charged at an additional £140 per term in their first year. The school operates a fees-in-advance scheme and families should contact the finance team for payment options.

Financial Assistance

This is where Dame Allan's demonstrates genuine commitment to accessibility. The school offers scholarships up to 50% on the basis of academic merit, alongside sport scholarships for identified talent. Beyond merit-based awards, 160 bursaries are available across the school, ranging from 80% to 100% of fees and assessed on both entrance examination performance and financial need. This represents a substantial commitment: with typical cohorts of 60-80 pupils entering the senior school in each year, approximately one-third may receive some financial support. Scholarships and bursaries can be combined, enabling talented but financially constrained families to access places.

For eligible families, government early years funding provides 15 hours free childcare for eligible three and four-year-olds. Parents should verify their specific eligibility and consult the school for information on combining funded hours with fee-paying options.

The school operates an entrance assessment system for new entrants, distinguishing it from the local authority-coordinated admissions process in state schools. Candidates sit a screen-based assessment covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. The form itself takes one hour, and successful candidates move on to interview. For pupils progressing from the junior school into the senior school, the transition is automatic, though new entrants face this assessment hurdle.

Registration costs £50 per application, a modest sum reflecting the school's position as an accessible independent school rather than the most exclusive tier of the market. The school accepts most applications, subject to availability, though entry into Year 11 and Year 13 are restricted to prevent disruption to GCSE and A-level studies. The school recommends applying at least a year in advance, giving families time to prepare.

An online application system streamlines the admissions process. Parents seeking information on the school's entrance requirements should consult the admissions pages of the school website for the most current detail.

The school emphasises structured pastoral systems. Form tutors serve as the first point of contact for parents and pupils, with well-established systems ensuring every student receives individual attention. The recent ISI inspection highlighted the challenging broad curriculum alongside extensive opportunities promoting pupils' health and emotional wellbeing.

A distinctive feature is the Snug, a dedicated wellbeing space offering pupils private environments to receive pastoral support. The school introduced a therapy dog in 2022, a concrete recognition that wellbeing support sometimes requires non-traditional approaches. Mental Health First Aid training is available to staff, and listening skills courses enable peer mentors to support younger pupils.

All students are screened for SEND on entry to Year 7. The school maintains a Learning Support Department with a qualified specialist, offering one-to-one lessons to pupils requiring additional help with specific learning difficulties. The department works discreetly with families, suggesting sensitivity to the emotional dimensions of learning support.

Changing structure ahead. In 2025, the school announced plans to gradually abandon the diamond structure and transition to full co-education. From September 2026, incoming Years 7-10 will become co-educational, with Year 11 following in September 2027. This represents a significant shift from the school's distinctive model for over three decades. Some parents have expressed concerns about the change. Families should verify the implications for current pupils and understand the school's rationale before committing to a place.

Fees trajectory. The school announced a 12% increase in fees for September 2025, attributed to VAT on fees, loss of charitable business rates relief and increased national insurance contributions. While the governors noted they do not anticipate similarly steep increases in future years, families should factor likely annual fee increases into long-term financial planning, even with bursary support.

Academic selectivity. Entry is selective, based on entrance assessment performance. The school confirms it can accommodate students who don't achieve at the highest levels, but the assessment does screen for academic suitability. This is less selective than some independent schools, but less open than state-funded comprehensive schools. Families should be realistic about their child's academic placement within any cohort.

Transport. The school provides assistance with transport options for pupils before and after school, liaising with specialist school transport management company Vectare. While on-site parking exists, space is limited and street parking in the residential area surrounding the school can be challenging during peak hours. Families should investigate specific transport arrangements and arrival logistics before committing to a place.

Dame Allan's represents something increasingly rare: a thriving independent school rooted in genuine history and charitable foundation, serving a broad cross-section of Newcastle families from various socioeconomic backgrounds through substantial bursary provision. The investment in new facilities, the breadth of clubs and societies, the consistent academic excellence and the warm, grounded atmosphere all contribute to a school that takes its educational mission seriously without taking itself overly seriously.

The school is best suited to families seeking an academically strong education within a values-based (Anglican) framework, who appreciate the diamond structure's distinctive approach and have access to fees or bursary support. The excellence is evident in results; the ethos reflects genuine commitment to all pupils, not merely the highest achievers. The transition to full co-education announced in 2025 represents the school's willingness to evolve, though prospective families should understand this significant structural change before applying.

For families valuing heritage alongside innovation, extracurricular breadth alongside academic rigour, and accessible excellence alongside financial support, Dame Allan's deserves serious consideration.