Newcastle Preparatory School: A Parent's Guide
The only independent co-ed prep school in Newcastle — small classes, strong results, and a Forest School on the doorstep of Jesmond Dene.
Newcastle Preparatory School — known locally as Newcastle Prep — is a small, well-regarded independent school on Eslington Road in Jesmond. It's the only independent co-educational prep school in Newcastle, taking children from age 3 to 11 and preparing them for entry to the city's leading secondary schools.
Here's what parents need to know.
History
The school was founded in 1885 by a group of leading Newcastle businesspeople who established the "Newcastle Public Day School Company Limited" and acquired Eslington Tower — the handsome building that still forms the heart of the school today. It opened with just 11 pupils, some of them boarders.
The school's colours — black and gold — were established in 1892 and remain in use. Over nearly 140 years, Newcastle Prep has grown from those 11 pupils to a school of around 280 children, but it has kept its deliberately small, personal character.
Among its most notable former pupils is Cardinal Basil Hume (1923–1999), who attended the school in the 1930s before moving to Ampleforth.
Who It's For
Newcastle Prep takes boys and girls from Nursery (age 3) through to Year 6 (age 11). With approximately 280 pupils, class sizes are small — typically well under 20 — and the school prides itself on knowing every child individually.
The school positions itself as the bridge between early years and senior school: a place where children build confidence, independence, and strong academic foundations before moving on at 11.
Best for: Ages 3–11. Around 280 pupils. The only independent co-ed prep school in Newcastle.
ISI Rating
Newcastle Prep was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and rated Excellent — the highest grade — in its most recent full inspection (2022). A further routine inspection took place in 2025.
The Excellent rating covers both the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements and the quality of pupils' personal development.
Academic Results
For a small school, the results are striking. In 2025, the school secured 62 independent secondary school places for a cohort of just 28 Year 6 pupils — meaning every child had multiple offers to choose from.
The school reported a 100% success rate for applications to Dame Allan's, Newcastle School for Boys, and Newcastle High School for Girls, alongside scholarship awards for both academic and sporting excellence.
Many pupils also move on to the Royal Grammar School and other selective schools across the region.
Facilities and Campus
The school occupies a Victorian building on Eslington Road — a quiet residential street in the heart of Jesmond. The campus has been progressively modernised while keeping its period character. Facilities include:
- STEM Hub for science and technology
- Library and computing facilities
- Art studios and music rooms
- Sports facilities
- Forest School and outdoor learning spaces — taking advantage of proximity to Jesmond Dene
The Forest School provision is a particular draw for parents who value outdoor learning. Jesmond Dene is effectively on the school's doorstep, and the school makes regular use of it.
Wrap-Around Care
Newcastle Prep offers extended hours for working families, including breakfast club and after-school provision. The school also runs a popular Summer Club (open to community children as well as pupils), typically operating through July and August.
Admissions
The main entry point is Nursery (age 3), though places may be available in other year groups. The school manages its own admissions and holds open mornings and individual tours throughout the year.
Visit the Newcastle Prep website for current admissions information.
Practical Information
- Address: 6 Eslington Road, Jesmond, NE2 4RH
- Ages: 3–11 (Nursery to Year 6)
- Type: Independent co-educational preparatory school
- ISI Rating: Excellent (2022)
- Approximate roll: 280 pupils
- Nearest Metro: Jesmond (8-minute walk)
- Founded: 1885
- Phone: 0191 281 1769
Considering Newcastle Prep for your child? Get in touch — we're happy to help families exploring their options in Jesmond.