On the edge of the village green in Norton, Red House School pairs a Georgian frontage with a reputation for academic rigour. This independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 16 serves approximately 535 pupils. Results are a defining feature; the school ranks 303rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking) and sits comfortably as the highest-performing school in Stockton-on-Tees. It remains small enough to feel personal, yet large enough to drive a competitive academic culture.
The red-brick facade of 36 The Green suggests tradition, but the school has evolved significantly since its founding in 1929. The site blends the original Grade II listed building with modern additions, including purpose-built science laboratories and sports facilities. The atmosphere is purposeful but not stifling; pupils move between lessons with a confidence that comes from being known by name.
Dr Rebecca Ashcroft has led the school since September 2022. Her leadership has reinforced the school's focus on high standards while maintaining the "family feel" that parents often cite as a key attractor. The school motto, Veritas in Virtute (Truth in Virtue), is woven into assembly themes and the rewards system.
Academic outcomes are consistently strong. In 2024, 58% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A), well above the England average of 22%. Even more notably, over 40% of grades were 9-8, reflecting a cohort capable of securing the very top marks.
The school ranks 303rd in England for GCSE results. These figures place Red House in the "national high" band, outperforming 90% of schools in England.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
58.02%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and traditional. Specialist teaching begins early, with Junior School pupils receiving subject-specific instruction in languages, music, and sport. By the Senior School, the focus sharpens on GCSE preparation. Science is a particular strength, supported by facilities that rival larger senior schools.
Class sizes are kept small, typically under 20. This allows for what the school describes as "individualised attention," ensuring that no pupil drifts anonymously through the middle. The approach is rigorous; homework is regular, and expectations are high.
Red House education concludes at Year 11. There is no sixth form, which the school frames as a strategic advantage. It allows students to choose the post-16 pathway that best suits their emerging interests, rather than automatically continuing in the same institution.
Leavers progress to a range of high-performing local providers. Common destinations include Yarm School, Durham School, and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington. The school provides extensive careers guidance to support these transitions, including interview practice and subject selection advice.
Admission to the Senior School (Year 7) is selective. Candidates sit an entrance assessment in the January preceding entry, covering English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The school also reviews reports from the child's current school.
Demand is high. For the 2026 intake, the school recommends registering at least a year in advance. Open mornings, such as the event scheduled for January 2026, provide families an opportunity to tour the site and meet Dr Ashcroft.
The house system—comprising Layton, Norton, Ragworth, and Wynyard—forms the backbone of pastoral life. House points are fiercely contested in everything from sports matches to choir competitions.
Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum. The September 2023 ISI inspection, conducted under the new framework, highlighted that pupils' mental health and wellbeing are clear priorities for the school. A dedicated team ensures that support is available for those navigating the pressures of adolescence.
Extracurricular life is vibrant. Sport is central, with teams competing regionally in rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket. The facilities are maximised to ensure regular fixtures against other independent and state schools.
The arts are equally visible. The choir performs publicly, and drama productions are a staple of the calendar. A wide range of clubs, from coding to chess, operates during lunch breaks and after school.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:45pm. Wraparound care is comprehensive to support working families. Breakfast Club operates from 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm.
No Sixth Form. The school ends at 16. Families seeking a single institution from age 3 to 18 will need to accept a move after GCSEs. This transition can be a healthy step towards independence, but it does require navigating another admissions cycle.
Academic Pace. With 58% of grades at 9-7, the environment is academically ambitious. Children who require significant support to access the curriculum may find the pace challenging.
Village Location. The site is constrained by its historic village setting. While charming, it lacks the sprawling acres of some countryside boarding schools, though the school uses off-site sports fields effectively.
Red House School delivers elite academic results without the factory feel of larger institutions. It suits families who value a traditional, rigorous education in a setting where every child is visible. The lack of a sixth form is a structural distinction that families must weigh, but for a GCSE-focused education in Teesside, it is the clear market leader.
Yes. The school was inspected by the ISI in September 2023 under the new framework, which confirmed that all standards were met and highlighted high standards of teaching. Academically, it ranks 303rd in England for GCSEs.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, Senior School fees are £5,694 per term. Junior School fees range from £3,047 (Reception) to £4,968 (Years 3-6) per term.
No. The school educates children up to age 16 (Year 11). Leavers move on to local sixth form colleges or other independent schools for A-levels.
Entry to Year 7 is based on an entrance assessment in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. While not hyper-selective, the school expects pupils to be able to access a rigorous academic curriculum.
Major sports include rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket. The school competes regularly against other schools in the region.
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