Pupils may be placed privately or by Local Education Authorities. On admission pupils have an induction period and towards the end of this time they are assessed by our own staff. Our assessment, together with all relevant reports, are then used to produce an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Parents and the LEA are sent a copy of the IEP. With parental approval, this forms the ‘baseline’ and at regular intervals IEPs are reviewed and programmes modified.
Change of Address
Parents are asked to inform the school immediately of any change of address.
Reports
Form Tutor reports up to Years 10 & 12 are sent at Christmas and Easter with a full report at the end of the Summer Term. In Years 11 & 13 parents receive a full report in February, following mock exams. They are also invited to the school to discuss the report.
Open Day / End of Term
Parents are invited to the end of Summer Term Prize Giving, which celebrates not only the winners, but those who have made most progress, and most effort, in a wide range of sporting events and academic subjects. Parents are also most welcome at many other school events such as Sports Day, B-B-Q, Christmas Play, Open Days and Parent Information Days.
Community Links
We take every advantage possible of being situated in beautiful countryside. Practical lessons, hobbies and leisure activities are on our doorstep. However, we do realise that our pupils need other stimuli and our mini-buses transport pupils to the local towns - a 15 minute drive to take part in Scouts, Harriers, Cadets, Canoeing and other activities where they can join in with young people of their own age.
Our Work Experience for Years 10 (and 11) in local shops, hotels, newspapers, factories, garages, farms, shorebase nautical centre, painting and decorating and gamekeeping, has not only given our pupils valuable experience but also enabled us to forge close and understanding relationships with local industry and commerce.
Start of Term
Pupils are required to be in school at 08.50 in preparation for the school day beginning at 9.00 a.m. These times are flexible for those pupils travelling longer distances or being collected from the railway station/airport.
Curriculum Complaints
In accordance with the 1988 Education Act (Section 23), complaints about the curriculum and related matters may be made in the first instance to the Headteacher. Full details of the complaints’ procedure are available from the school.
School Fees
Fees are due at the beginning of each term. For details of the current fee structure please contact the Secretary. Bursaries may be available for private boarding placements. Please apply in writing to the Headteacher. One term’s notice or a term’s fees in lieu are required if a pupil is withdrawn. These fees are all inclusive with the exception of some extra-curricular activities. There will normally be an increase in fees at the start of each school year. Notification of the level of increase will be given in the Summer Term.
Transport to and from Newcastle Central Station or Newcastle Airport is available on Monday mornings and Friday evenings. Daily transport to and from Morpeth railway is available.
Charges for Activities
Most activities are included in the school fees. However, outside groups do make a charge e.g. Duke of Edinburgh, scouts, swimming awards, RYA sailing awards, BCU canoeing awards. In these instances the relevant costs will be charged to the parents.