Independent schools (often referred to as private schools) offer an additional educational choice for parents but at a cost. The schools are funded through fees paid by parents.
Independent schools set their own curriculum and admission policies. The School Admissions and Appeals Codes, which all maintained schools have to follow, do not apply to them.
Independent schools set their own curriculum and admission policies. They are funded through fees paid by parents. The School Admissions and Appeals Codes do not apply to them. If you want to apply to an independent school, contact the school directly.
Please be aware that if you do not apply for a maintained school before the closing date, and your child is not offered a place at an independent school, you reduce your chances of obtaining a place at your preferred maintained school.
If you apply for a maintained school and an independent school and are offered a place at both, please tell us by letter or email which school place you are accepting.
For more information on independent schools, see the Independent Schools Council (external link)
Please be aware that if you do not apply for a maintained school before the annual closing date for applications for reception admissions or transfers to middle, secondary or high school, and your child is not offered a place at an independent school, you reduce your chances of obtaining a place at your preferred maintained school.
Contact the independent schools directly to enquire about their entry requirements and to find out the type of interview or exam they conduct. Think realistically about your son or daughter’s chance of attaining the exam grades required.
Read their prospectus. Attend the school’s open day. Is it the right school for your child?
The Independent School Council advises parents to start looking for schools one full academic year in advance as many schools have a high demand. Schools often fill up on a first-come-first-served basis so it is important to start looking for an independent school for your child early. This is even more necessary when an entrance exam is involved, including the Common Entrance paper.
Many independent schools will require you to register your child. This does not secure a place; it merely indicates that you wish your child to be considered for a place. There is usually a registration fee to cover administration costs, which is non-refundable.
After you have registered the school will inform you of any interview and/or examination dates. You will only be given a formal offer of a place after your child has been successful in whatever selection process has taken place, whether it is selection on a first-come-first-served basis or a competitive selection.
Accepting an offer of a place is legally binding; make sure that you read all the conditions that apply. In particular, you should be aware that to withdraw a pupil usually requires a full term's notice in writing, and sometimes two.
If you apply for a maintained school and an independent school and are offered a place at both, please tell the city council by letter or email which school place you are accepting.
The summary information on this page is taken from the Independent Schools Council (ICS) website. For more information including details of individual schools see the Independent Schools Council (external links).
Central Newcastle High School
Girls’ school. Non-denominational. Pupil age range 3 - 18 years.
Newcastle Church High School
Girls’ school. Anglican. Pupil age range 2 - 18 years.
Newcastle Preparatory School
Co-educational school. Non-denominational. Pupil age range 3 - 11 years.
Newcastle School for Boys
Boys’ school. Non-denominational. Pupil age range 3 - 18 years.
Royal Grammar School
Co-educational. Non-denominational. Pupil age range 7 - 18 years.
Westfield School
Girls’ school. Non-denominational. Pupil age range 3 - 18 years.
Page last updated: 1 September, 2011
