About Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) is an independent day school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, offering an all-through education from age 3 to 18. Founded in 2005 (from the earlier Ascham House and Newlands schools), it is a deliberately small school with small class sizes.
From September 2026 the school becomes The Newcastle School and begins admitting girls — into the Junior School and Sixth Form from 2026, with the Senior School following from 2027. Its ethos centres on knowing each pupil individually, strong pastoral care and a broad co-curriculum.
About the Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) Entrance Assessment
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) is an independent day school for boys that sets its own entrance assessment for Year 7 admission. (The school historically used the CEM 11+ test, retired in 2022; confirm the current format on the school's website.) The school admits approximately a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September, and applications are made directly to Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) (registration fee payable).
The CEM-style 11+ format traditionally consists of one or two papers covering English (comprehension, cloze passages, vocabulary), Mathematics (numerical reasoning, problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. CEM scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. The CEM-style is the established alternative reference format to GL Assessment.
For 2026 entry, the Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with results and offers issued in February-March (varies by school).
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (available places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)
- Type: Independent (fee-paying) day school, ages 3–18* (boys; co-educational from September 2026 onwards)
- Main 11+ entry: Year 7, by the school’s own entrance assessment, typically in January or February of Year 6
- Assessment: covers English, Mathematics and reasoning (online/CAT4-style), plus an informal one-to-one interview with the Head or senior staff and a school report
- Awards: scholarships (on merit) and means-tested bursaries, which can be held together
Applications are made directly to the school. Families attend an open day or taster session and register; the child sits the entrance assessment and a short informal interview, and offers follow on the basis of performance and the school reference.
Fees are charged per term and reviewed annually. Confirm the current fees, dates, the co-educational transition and award details directly with the school.
CEM Practice Papers for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) uses the CEM 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Newcastle School for Boys is a small independent school that emphasises individual progress within a broad and challenging curriculum.
- GCSE: a curriculum tailored to how boys learn, with close attention to individual progress.
- A-Level: a sixth form supporting applications to a range of universities.
- Progression: pupils progress to a wide range of universities and pathways, supported by close individual guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)
Newcastle School for Boys is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Newcastle and the wider North East and beyond, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school is based in Gosforth, with its Senior School on Moor Road South, drawing pupils from across Newcastle and the surrounding area.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
NSB is intentionally small, with small class sizes and an all-faiths ethos built around knowing each pupil as an individual and supporting wellbeing. From September 2026 it becomes The Newcastle School and begins welcoming girls.
Co-curricular life spans sport, the performing arts, STEM and international travel. For the full list of clubs, teams and trips, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)
How do I apply to Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) for Year 7?
Applications to Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Does Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) use the CEM 11+ test?
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) historically used the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) 11+ entrance test. Since CEM 11+ was retired in 2022, many schools have transitioned to GL Assessment or developed bespoke entrance tests. Practice papers in the CEM-style format remain valuable preparation as the topic areas (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) are still tested in most formats.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. Many former CEM schools now use GL Assessment after CEM 11+ was retired in 2022.
How many Year 7 places does Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) have?
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)?
For 2026 entry, Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)'s 11+ entrance assessment is held in January of Year 6 (Independent school entrance exam, CEM-style format). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)?
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) a state school or fee-paying?
Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete CEM-style 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Newcastle School for Boys (NSB)'s official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Newcastle School for Boys (NSB) 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.