Located in the leafy Thornhill conservation area of Sunderland, Argyle House School offers a distinct alternative to the large state academies surrounding it. As the city's only independent school for children aged 3 to 16, it operates on a scale where anonymity is impossible. With approximately 250 pupils and students, the school prioritises a family ethos, combining small class sizes with traditional values. Under the new leadership of Mr John Sample, appointed in 2025, the school is entering a new chapter while maintaining the nurturing environment for which it is known.
The school occupies a series of converted Victorian merchants' houses on Thornhill Park, giving it a domestic rather than institutional feel. The architecture, with its high ceilings, red brick, and large bay windows, contributes to a sense of history.
Mr John Sample took up the headship in 2025, succeeding the long-serving Chris Johnson. A local boy with a background in independent education, his appointment signals a period of fresh energy for the school. He leads a community where courtesy is central; visitors often remark on the politeness of the students, who are encouraged to stand when adults enter the room.
The atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Without the pressure of a large cohort, the social dynamic tends to be inclusive rather than cliquey. The ISI inspection in September 2025 confirmed that the school meets all standards, praising the strong relationships between staff and pupils which foster confidence and self-esteem.
Despite being non-selective, Argyle House consistently delivers strong academic outcomes. In 2024, the school's Attainment 8 score was 51.1, well above the England average of 45.9. This indicates that students here typically achieve approximately half a grade higher per subject than the national norm.
The school ranks 1209th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd among secondary providers in Sunderland. This performance places it in the national typical band, sitting comfortably in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile) and outperforming many local competitors.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad but traditional. Teaching groups are deliberately kept small, often with fewer than 15 students, allowing for significant individual attention. This structure supports the school's flexible approach, where able students can be pushed beyond their year group's standard curriculum.
Specialist teaching begins early. By the senior phase, students follow a core GCSE curriculum that includes the separate sciences, History, Geography, and French or Spanish. The September 2025 inspection noted that the curriculum is well-planned and effectively prepares students for the next stage of their education.
Argyle House educates students up to Year 11 (age 16). There is no sixth form on site.
Post-16, students transfer to local sixth form colleges or other independent providers. Common destinations include Southmoor Academy Sixth Form, St Robert of Newminster, and independent schools in Newcastle. The school provides guidance on these transitions from Year 10, ensuring students select A-level or vocational courses that align with their GCSE performance.
Admissions are non-selective academically, focusing instead on the child's character and potential to thrive in the school's environment.
The process typically involves an informal interview with the Headmaster and a taster day for the prospective pupil or student. Registration for September 2026 entry is currently open. While most families join at Reception or Year 7, the school operates a rolling admissions policy and accepts students in other year groups if places are available.
Pastoral care is intrinsic to the school's size. Form tutors handle the day-to-day welfare of students, but the small site means that all staff are aware of social dynamics.
The school operates a house system which fosters vertical integration between year groups. Bullying is rare, and when issues arise, they are dealt with quickly due to the high staff-to-student ratio. The latest inspection highlighted the school's culture of kindness, noting that pupils learn to be morally responsible and tolerant.
The extracurricular programme is designed to broaden horizons without the resources of a large campus. Clubs change termly and include options such as Chess, Coding, Cookery, and Drama.
Sport is a regular feature, though facilities are largely off-site. Students travel to the nearby Ashbrooke Sports Club for cricket, rugby, and hockey, and use the Sunderland Aquatic Centre for swimming. This arrangement allows access to professional-grade facilities, though it requires travel time.
The arts are well supported, with a school choir and regular drama productions utilising the school hall. Trips are frequent, ranging from local visits to museums in Durham and Newcastle to residential trips for older students.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, day fees range from £3,738 to £4,485 per term, depending on the year group. This equates to approximately £11,214 to £13,455 per year. Fees include tuition, books, and stationery, though lunches, uniform, and exam fees are additional.
Bursaries are available for families who may require financial assistance, though the pot is limited compared to larger foundations. Scholarships are not a prominent feature of the admissions process; families seeking financial aid should contact the bursar directly to discuss eligibility.
The school includes Little Crickets Nursery for children aged 2 to 4. Integrated into the main school site, it follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum with a focus on school readiness.
Children in the nursery benefit from access to the main school's facilities and specialist staff for music and PE. The September 2025 inspection singled out the Early Years provision for praise, noting the stimulating curriculum and the kindness and respect developed in the children. Nursery fees and funding options for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds can be found on the school website.
The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm for juniors and 3:45pm for seniors. Wraparound care is available; a Breakfast Club operates from 7:45am and After School Care runs until 5:30pm. The school is located on Thornhill Park, SR2, with good access to local bus routes and the Sunderland Metro system.
No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at age 16. While this offers a chance for a fresh start, families seeking an all-through education to age 18 will need to plan for this transition.
Limited On-Site Sport. The lack of on-site playing fields means students must travel for games. While the off-site facilities are excellent, the logistics are different from a school with acres of its own grounds.
Small Peer Group. With a small cohort, social circles are limited. This is nurturing for many but can feel restrictive for teenagers who crave a wider social network.
Argyle House School offers a bespoke, gentle education that achieves results through attention rather than pressure. Its strong Attainment 8 score confirms that academic rigour is not sacrificed for pastoral care. Best suited to families who value a close-knit, traditional environment where every child is known, and who are happy to trade vast facilities for small class sizes and individual focus.
Yes. The school's GCSE results are consistently above the national average, with an Attainment 8 score of 51.1 in 2024. The latest ISI inspection in September 2025 confirmed that the school meets all standards, with inspectors praising the quality of education and personal development.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, fees range from £3,738 to £4,485 per term, depending on the pupil's age. This covers tuition and books but excludes lunches and uniform.
Mr John Sample was appointed Head Teacher in 2025. He joined the school with a background in independent education and succeeded Mr Chris Johnson.
No. Argyle House educates children from age 3 to 16. Students transfer to local sixth form colleges or other independent schools after completing their GCSEs.
No. The school is non-selective academically. Admissions are based on an interview and a taster day to ensure the school is a good fit for the child's character and needs.
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