About North East Grammar Schools
The North East hosts 6 selective schools — primarily independents including Royal Grammar School Newcastle, Dame Allan's Boys', Dame Allan's Girls', Durham High School for Girls (GDST), and Newcastle High School for Girls. The region has no traditional state grammar schools — selection was abolished in the 1970s. The Royal Grammar School Newcastle (founded 1545) is one of the older grammar schools in England.
History & Tradition
Royal Grammar School Newcastle (founded 1545) is one of the oldest grammar schools in England — chartered by Thomas Horsley. Durham School (1414) is even older. Dame Allan's Schools (1705) and Newcastle High School for Girls are 17th-19th century foundations. The North East abolished state grammars in 1976.
The Entry Test
Each North East independent uses its own entrance test. The Royal Grammar School Newcastle uses the North East Schools 11+ (a coordinated test). Dame Allan's runs its own. Most include interviews.
North East 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About North East Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Royal Grammar School Newcastle (founded 1545) is one of England's oldest grammar schools — co-educational since 1971, with strong sciences and music.
- 2Durham School (founded 1414) is one of the oldest schools in England — Norman foundation linked to Durham Cathedral.
- 3The North East abolished state grammars in 1976 — all selective education in the region is now fee-paying independent.
- 4Dame Allan's Schools (Newcastle) operate as Boys' and Girls' schools on a shared site — sharing some facilities and sixth-form classes.
- 5Newcastle High School for Girls is part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) — known for strong A-Level results and university destinations.
- 6Durham High School for Girls (GDST) is one of the older girls' schools in the North East — known for strong sciences and Oxbridge entry.
- 7North East families seeking traditional state grammar education have no nearby options — the closest grammars are in Yorkshire (Ripon, Skipton) or Lancashire (Lancaster).
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard Castle School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Dame Allan's School | Boys | — | Independent | 58.5% | 78.6% | |
| Durham High School for Girls | Girls | — | GL Assessment | 70% | 60% | |
| Durham School | Mixed | 90 | Independent | 44.3% | 55.9% | |
| Newcastle High School for Girls | Girls | — | CEM Select | 55.2% | 79.8% | |
| Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) | Boys | — | CEM | 50% | 70% |
North East Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do North East grammar schools use?
Most North East grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes North East grammar schools distinctive?
Royal Grammar School Newcastle (founded 1545) is one of England's oldest grammar schools — co-educational since 1971, with strong sciences and music.
What else should families know about the North East 11+?
Durham School (founded 1414) is one of the oldest schools in England — Norman foundation linked to Durham Cathedral.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: