Excellence. Stability. Happiness. Est 1705.
Mixed Junior School Girls and Boys aged 3 - 11 Separate Girls’ and Boys’ Schools aged 11 - 16 Co-educational Sixth Form
building the future DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS
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Contents 2 - 3 Welcome and Ethos 4 Nursery and Early Years 5 Junior School 6 - 9 Girls’ and Boys’ Schools 10 - 11 Sixth Form 12 Co-curricular Programme 13 Dame Allan’s Family 14 Why Dame Allan’s Schools?
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Shaping the Future Shaping the Future
is one of the most important decisions a parent has to make and any prospectus or website can only give you a glimpse into the life of a school. I would encourage you to come and see Dame Allan’s Schools for yourself. This will give you the opportunity to experience life at Dame Allan’s and to meet and talk to staff and pupils, giving you a clearer understanding of whether we are the best school for your child. I look forward to welcoming you. Mr W M Scott, Principal Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent has to make and any prospectus or website can only give you a glimpse into the life of a school. I would encourage you to come and see Dame Allan’s Schools for yourself. This will give you the opportunity to experience life at Dame Allan’s and to meet and talk to staff and pupils, giving you a clearer understanding of whether we are the best school for your child. I look forward to welcoming you. Mr W M Scott, Principal
Queen’s Building. We firmly believe that this Diamond Structure provides the best of both worlds; it enables us to meet to the needs of all of our pupils, providing all of the benefits of single sex education, combined with the social advantages of co-education. It enables us to achieve academic excellence and to nurture the individual talents of our pupils both inside and outside the classroom. advantages of co-education. It enables us to achieve academic excellence and to nurture the individual talents of our pupils both inside and outside the classroom. Working alongside their peers and as Working alongside their peers and as individuals, I am confident that Dame Allan’s pupils experience challenges, individuals, I am confident that Dame Allan’s pupils experience challenges, enjoyment and support in their endeavours. I am convinced that the Schools’ rounded approach with our strong emphasis on pastoral support helps to make Dame enjoyment and support in their endeavours. I am convinced that the Schools’ rounded approach with our strong emphasis on pastoral support helps to make Dame Allan’s a happy and successful place, leading to our outstanding academic achievements. Choosing the best school for your child Allan’s a happy and successful place, leading to our outstanding academic achievements. based in our purpose built Queen’s Building. We firmly believe that this Diamond Structure provides the best of both worlds; it enables us to meet to the needs of all of our students, providing all of the benefits of single sex education, combined with the social
Dame Allan’s Schools were founded in 1705 by Eleanor Allan to provide a ‘proper education’ for boys and girls in Newcastle. Now, over three hundred years later, we draw strength from this heritage. We are extremely proud to provide an excellent education for all our pupils and to prepare them for the challenges of life they may face. We are unique in the region as the only school following the pioneering Diamond Structure and educating both boys and We are unique in the region as the only school following the pioneering Diamond Structure. In our state of the art Junior School and Nursery boys and girls learn together. At the age of 11, they move into our single sex Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, where they are taught separately leading up girls from 3-18. In our state of the art Junior School and Nursery boys and girls learn together. At the age of 11, they move into our single sex Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, where they are taught separately leading up to their GCSE examinations. When the students begin their A Level studies, they move into our co-educational Sixth Form, based in our purpose built to their GCSE examinations. When the students begin their A-level studies, they move into our co-educational Sixth Form, Dame Allan’s Schools were founded in 1705 by Dame Eleanor Allan to provide a ‘proper education’ for boys and girls in Newcastle. Now, over three hundred years later, we draw strength from this heritage. We are extremely proud to provide an excellent education for all our pupils and to prepare them for the challenges of life they may face.
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Ethos
“A challenging broad curriculum, enhanced by a wide range of co- curricular activities and extensive opportunities in sports, promote pupils’ health and emotional wellbeing.” ISI Report 2023. Our values We exist to provide the best education to every pupil, regardless of background, within an inspiring and supportive environment as informed by the Schools’ Anglican foundation and traditions. Embedded within our diamond structure is the expectation that pupils are not only purposeful and tenacious in their endeavours, but also tolerant and supportive of each other, underlining our view that when children feel valued and known, they can grow into happy and successful adults.
Discovery and achievement Dame Allan’s pupils are challenged to discover and develop their sporting, artistic, leadership and other talents alongside their academic abilities, and to aspire for excellence in all that they do. They should always strive for their best, recognising setbacks as opportunities to reflect and learn. At Dame Allan’s, pupils are given a structure and richness of experience through which new skills are learnt and knowledge embedded. They grasp opportunities to achieve beyond any externally or self- imposed limits and press ahead confidently in their academic and personal development.
Within the Dame Allan’s family and beyond
At the heart of our aims is a concern for each pupil’s welfare and for their positive development as an individual and member of the Dame Allan’s family. Whilst the Schools are a community of pupils, parents, staff, alumni, governors and others, we value the individual’s needs and recognise the importance of supporting each other. We emphasise the interdependence of the individual and the community at local, national and international levels. We ask pupils to show care and concern for others within this orderly and supportive place, acting with consideration and respect for other people, themselves and their environment. Details of the Schools’ policies on admissions, the curriculum, discipline, preventing bullying, educational visits, pupils with special educational needs, child protection and the Schools’ complaints procedure are available via the website and in hard copy from the Schools on request.
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Nursery and Early Years
Learning should be fun. This is the principle at the heart of life in the Junior School. In the Nursery and Reception children have their own classrooms, grouped together at one end of the building with their own separate entrance. The Junior School and Nursery is a purpose-built, state of the art facility. All the classrooms on the ground floor, where Nursery and Reception classes are situated, open out onto the grounds so the children can work and play together in their own safe areas, moving inside and out depending
seeing the natural world first hand and watching the seasons unfold. In fact, we have adopted a ‘forest school’ innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning in the woodland environment. Our curriculum is designed around the principle of active learning, so that children may develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. This contributes to the happy, stimulating environment for children at the start of their time in education at Dame Allan’s Schools. All our staff work hard to create a secure atmosphere so children feel safe, confident and valued. They put together an exciting timetable of trips and visits to go alongside
children’s individual learning plans which follow them into the Junior School. The Nursery and Reception children also take part in music, singing and drama performances helping with confidence and their transition into the Junior School.
on the weather and their activities. The children are able to explore the grounds of the wooded six acre site,
Watch our Early Years video https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tDIwMCEyl0c
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Junior School
Pupils in our Junior School are encouraged to aim high and to achieve their goals. Pupils are taught in small classes where boys and girls benefit from our creative and lively approach to learning. The School provides an enriched learning environment where a focus on the development of core skills in numeracy, literacy and science is supported by a curriculum which encourages innovation and creativity whilst striving for the highest academic standards. Drama, art, history, geography, French, music, computing and a broad PE and games curriculum ensure that the education which the children receive will be dynamic, engaging and inspiring. The Junior School is a purpose-built, state of the art facility. The children in Key Stage 2 have their lessons on the
upper floor which is also home to the modern, distinctive and inspiring library where children also have some lessons. Outside the classroom our pupils have an enviable environment for exploring, for playing and for engaging in sporting activities. Our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme offers enriched outdoor activities, designed to encourage creative, imaginative play and the development of vital skills, such as teamwork and communication. It’s a lot of fun too! We also have a thriving co-curricular programme at the Junior School which all pupils have the opportunity to enjoy. A variety of clubs run during lunch time and after school. These are supervised by teaching staff or visiting specialists. Clubs are
split into age groups, so that activities are age appropriate and range from fencing to chess and karate to ballet. Our pastoral offering also ensure that Junior School pupils can access wellbeing support whenever needed. We offer a dedicated wellbeing area, The Cosy Snug, access to specialist counsellors, art therapy, a ‘worry monster’ toy, plus, our popular therapy dog. Pupils take part in mental health education from an early age, and learn the importance of caring for their feelings.
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Girls’ and Boys’ Schools
When they are aged 11 pupils enter into the separate Girls’ and Boys’ Senior Schools. When a pupil gains a place at Dame Allan’s our aim is to ensure they make the most of their individual skills and talents. The unique blend of the quality of our teaching, guidance and pastoral care is designed to ensure that each pupil reaches their full potential. At the heart of everything we do is a concern for the welfare of each of our pupils, their development as individuals and as members of the Schools’ family. Our industry leading pastoral care ensures that each child is nurtured emotionally, as well as academically. The Senior Schools have access to The Snug, a dedicated wellbeing area that pupils can use when they need a quiet space, or to access additional services such as counselling, study support, and therapy dog Heidi. Additionally, pupils can always reach out to our pastoral team for help. We also
have Whisper, a service which allows pupils to reach out anonymously, which will hopefully further reduce any worries about asking for support when needed. Our Form Tutors are also on hand to answer any questions or help with any issues that pupils may have, and we have an active peer mentor programme, which is run by two of our Sixth Form Officers. There is always someone on hand with a listening ear, no matter what the problem is. This family of pupils and staff is what makes Dame Allan’s special. Our staff are committed to instilling in pupils a love of learning and work hard to inspire a thoughtful, reflective and
their GCSE courses. Pupils are taught by teachers who understand the educational and emotional needs of teenage boys and girls and how best to guide them. Our distinctive Diamond Structure is not simply a matter of gender. The Boys’ and Girls’ Schools each have their own, well established, pastoral system, designed to create a caring and supportive framework for each pupil. Significantly, it means that pupils at Dame Allan’s are part of smaller, individual units rather than belonging to a larger and potentially more impersonal school.
open minded approach which encourages our pupils to show care and concern for others.
The separate Boys’ and Girls’ Schools provide single sex teaching from the age of 11 to 16, when our pupils complete
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The single sex environment encourages a self-confidence that contributes to higher academic development and achievement. It also reduces the tendency for pupils to select stereotypical roles and subjects, allowing them to explore their own talents, whatever they may be. Dame Allan’s has a house system which runs throughout the Schools. This reinforces the feeling of belonging and of being valued that instils self-confidence. The use of form prefects attached to forms in Years 7-10 encourages pupils to develop
friendships across the age range and to mature within an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and motivation. Each member of our dedicated staff has an individual approach to teaching, and structures their lessons to suit the learning styles of individual pupils, made possible by our small class sizes. This creates a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Each pupil is placed in the care of a form teacher and a Head of Year who take an active interest in all aspects of their performance and wellbeing.
A partnership between school and home is an important factor in our pupils’ success. All members of the pastoral team work with parents and families to achieve the best outcome for our pupils as they progress in their chosen academic career.
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Sixth Form
Life in the Sixth Form at Dame Allan’s is an exciting and challenging experience. Standards are high and so are our expectations. Students are encouraged to set themselves ambitious targets towards which they are guided and supported by our experienced and enthusiastic staff. The co-educational Sixth Form was created over 25 years ago and is one of the leading independent Sixth Forms in the area. The Sixth Form is based in the Queen’s Building which was opened by Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate our tercentenary. The building has superb and stimulating facilities with its own modern teaching and study rooms. Refurbished in 2024, it now also includes a social study area, silent study space, and popular cafe. Students joining the Sixth Form from the separate Boys’ and Girls’ Schools benefit from the continuity of teachers who know their abilities and needs, whilst sharing the same ‘new’ experience as pupils joining from another school. Our staff and students have an excellent reputation for which they work hard.
Students entering our Sixth Form are expected to achieve an A grade or equivalent in the subjects they select to study. Over 95 per cent of our students move on to Higher Education so they receive careful support to guide them through the university admissions process as well as careers advice. As a result the vast majority of our students consistently gain places on their first choice university courses, whether that be for highly competitive courses such as medicine, law, dentistry or Oxford and Cambridge applications, or for other courses that meet their interests and abilities. We hold a biennial careers fair, a bustling event for our students which is attended by major regional and national organisations. We are very aware that a Sixth Form is not just a place for students to pass exams, they will soon be entering into the ‘real world’, whether that be university, training, travelling or work. To help with this we have a well- established Enrichment Programme which brings students and their tutors together each week to discuss matters of importance
such as careers advice and current affairs and to prepare and plan for higher education or training. They work with outside experts who encourage students to extend their horizons, take on new challenges and to develop personal skills that will equip them for life beyond Dame Allan’s. Members of the Sixth Form are heavily involved in leading our co-curricular programme and in leadership roles in the wider life of the Schools. Our Officers play a vital role in managing the day to day life of the Schools and take part in a residential training course to prepare them for this work.
Watch our Sixth Form video https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6cODTZFJWbI
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Co-curricular Programme
Whilst we welcome the opportunity to highlight our results, league tables should always form part of an informed view drawn from a variety of sources. It is important to recognise all the elements that contribute to a young person’s education. Life at Dame Allan’s encompasses much more than just the academic curriculum. We encourage all of our pupils to take part in a wide range of cultural, sporting and social activities. Leadership Skills Our aim is to develop confidence and leadership skills. At the start of their Senior School career Year 7 pupils are offered the opportunity to go on a weekend of adventure in the Lake District, opportunities continue throughout their time at the Schools through the medium of outdoor education. Opportunities include climbing, walking, canoeing and work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, the John Muir Award and challenging overseas expeditions. Sports On the sports field Dame Allan’s pupils take part in a wide range of individual and team events and many achieve team, county and national honours. Our teams frequently win honours in the key sports of rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis,
athletics and cross country. These are complemented by a vast range of sports and clubs including basketball, volleyball, fencing and squash. Recently, our pupils have triumphed across a range of sports both inside and outside of school. We have seen Junior NBA victory for our Y7 basketball team, talented rugby players joining Newcastle Falcons U18 Academy, pupils excelling in county and national athletics competitions, plus our U15 football boys winning the Independent Schools Football Association National Bowl! Sporting tours take our pupils around the world, including recent visits to Europe and South Africa. Music and Performing Arts We have earned a national reputation in performing arts. Our dance companies have performed throughout the UK with internationally acclaimed professional dancers. Our pupils have been selected to take part in dance schemes run by the Royal Ballet School and the Royal Opera House and our dance groups regularly compete in the national finals of dance competitions. Our singers and musicians perform regularly with the National Youth Choir and the National Youth Music Theatre, we have a thriving orchestra, chamber groups, choirs and ceilidh band. We hold lively and impressive termly concerts and sing evensong in our local parish church. Music scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding young musicians. Instrumental
Drama also has an integral role at Dame Allan’s. The department puts on an annual show, alternating between a play and a musical. We also offer LAMDA tuition, with several of our pupils excelling to achieve the prestigious gold medal. Modern Foreign Languages The schools maximise chances for pupils to use their language lessons in real world situations, with regular trips to Europe. Recent highlights have included Normandy, Seville, and Berlin. The Wider Community All pupils are encouraged to use their time and talents to benefit the community. The outlets they find are many and varied and each year an active charitable programme raises thousands of pounds for good causes. Via a Community Service programme, many of our Sixth Formers spend at least one afternoon a week volunteering for local charities and organisations, making a difference to the community. Many of our pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme that greatly enriches their education.Our World Challenge programme is one of the largest in the North East and the expeditions and community projects open up an exciting and formative experience for all involved. In addition, we are pleased to have strong links with local primary schools that regularly make use of our facilities.
lessons are available to all pupils and for a wide variety of instruments.
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Dame Allan’s Family Dame Allan’s Family
After more than 300 years Dame Allan’s Schools are as determined as our founder, Dame Eleanor Allan, to provide the best education possible for girls and boys and to prepare them to play a full and fulfilling role in the world beyond the Schools. After more than 300 years Dame Allan’s Schools are as determined as our founder, Dame Eleanor Allan, to provide the best education possible for girls and boys and to prepare them to play a full and fulfilling role in the world beyond the Schools. After more than 300 years Dame Allan’s Schools are as determined as our founder, Eleanor Allan, to provide the best education possible for girls and boys and to prepare them to play a full and fulfilling role in the world beyond the Schools.
When your child leaves Dame Allan’s the relationship with the Schools and their friends remains. We have a thriving alumni organisation, The Allanian Society, so pupils can keep in touch formally and informally with their friends and the Schools. Allanians meet up for dinners and drinks receptions both in the North East and London. Many pupils return to the Cathedral in Newcastle for the annual Founder’s Day or Carol Service and enjoy seeing friends and members of staff. Very often links with Dame Allan’s come full circle and we are delighted to welcome the children of Allanians as they begin their own academic career at the Schools. Very often links with Dame Allan’s come full circle and we are delighted to welcome the children of Allanians as they begin their own academic career at the Schools. Very often links with Dame Allan’s come full circle and we are delighted to welcome the children of Allanians as they begin their own academic career at the Schools. and informally with their friends and the Schools. Allanians meet up for dinners and drinks receptions both in the North East and London. Many pupils return to the cathedral in Newcastle for the annual Founder’s Day or Carol Service and enjoy seeing friends and members of staff. When your child leaves Dame Allan’s the relationship with the Schools and their friends remains. We have a thriving alumni organisation, The Allanian Society, so pupils can keep in touch formally and informally with their friends and the Schools. Allanians meet up for dinners and drinks receptions both in the North East and London. Many pupils return to the Cathedral in Newcastle for the annual Founder’s Day or Carol Service and enjoy seeing friends and members of staff. When your child leaves Dame Allan’s the relationship with the Schools and their friends remains. We have a thriving alumni organisation, The Allanian Society, so pupils can keep in touch formally
When your child joins Dame Allan’s they become a member of a special community. They will receive academic guidance and support from their teachers and will develop friendships with their peers, many of which will last well beyond their school days. Parents also become part of the Dame Allan’s family. They are welcomed into the Dame Allan’s community and are invited to join DASPA, the active parents’ association. Parents give their time to the Schools in many ways and see their child’s education as a genuine partnership with Dame Allan’s. DASPA has a lively calendar of social and fundraising events and provides both practical and thoughtful support.
When your child joins Dame Allan’s they become a member of a special community. They will receive academic guidance and support from their teachers and will develop friendships with their peers, many of which will last well beyond their school days. Parents also become part of the Dame Allan’s family. They are welcomed into the Dame Allan’s community and are invited to join DASPA, the active parents’ association. Parents give their time to the Schools in many ways and see their child’s education as a genuine partnership with Dame Allan’s. DASPA has a lively calendar of social and fundraising events and provides both practical and thoughtful support. will last well beyond their school days. Parents also become part of the Dame Allan’s family. They are welcomed into the Dame Allan’s community and are invited to join DASPA, the active parents’ association. Parents give their time to the Schools in many ways and see their child’s education as a genuine partnership with Dame Allan’s. DASPA has a lively calendar of social and fundraising events and provides both practical and thoughtful support. They will receive academic guidance and support from their teachers and will develop friendships with their peers, many of which
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Why Dame Allan’s Schools?
• We are the only North East independent school to cater to boys and girls from ages 3 - 18, offering a stable and stellar educational experience throughout your child’s development and ensuring they become well rounded individuals ready to thrive in life after school. • Our industry leading pastoral care ensures that your child’s emotional needs will be as cared for as their academic needs. • We pride ourselves on academic success. A combination of dedicated teaching staff, state of the art facilities and small class sizes helps pupils thrive. From Oxford and Cambridge places, to spots in leading dance and music conservatoires, we support every pupil to become whoever they want to be.
• Our extensive co-curricular programme helps pupils to discover a new passion, build confidence and resilience, and form strong friendships. With over 200 activities to choose from, they’ll be spoiled for choice. • Our Diamond Structure, unique in the North East, allows pupils to enjoy the academic benefits of a single-sex education, plus the social and cultural merits of a co-educational environment. • We are a strong and welcoming community. With a thriving parents’ association (DASPA), an active alumni community, The Allanian Society, and many social and school events to enjoy, you’re part of Dame Allan’s for life - not just for school days.
• In line with the values of our founder, Eleanor Allan, we believe in giving a range of children the opportunity to come to Dame Allan’s. We offer a number of scholarships and bursaries to make the Schools widely accessible.
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To find out more and apply, please click here, scan the QR code, or call our Admissions Team on 0191 275 0608 ing the fu LAN’S S
building the future DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS www.dameallans.co.uk Dame Allan’s Schools, Fowberry Crescent, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9YJ. 0191 275 0608 dasadmissions@dameallans.co.uk
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