Independent Schools in Gosforth
Two independent schools in Gosforth — both going co-ed. Newcastle School for Boys rebrands as The Newcastle School in September 2026, while Westfield now admits boys to Junior House.
Gosforth has two independent schools, both with strong reputations and both in the middle of significant change. Newcastle School for Boys is rebranding as The Newcastle School and going fully co-ed from September 2026, while Westfield School started admitting boys to its Junior House in September 2025. Here's what parents need to know.
Newcastle School for Boys — becoming The Newcastle School
Newcastle School for Boys operates across four campuses in Gosforth, serving around 400 pupils from Nursery to Year 13. It was formed in 2005 by the merger of two established Gosforth prep schools — Ascham House (founded 1884) and Newlands Preparatory. Head: Mr Graeme Hallam.
The school is rated ISI Excellent across both inspection areas (academic achievement and personal development) following its January 2022 inspection. Inspectors described "excellent attitudes to learning" and a "strong community and family ethos." A November 2025 inspection confirmed all standards fully met.
*The four campuses:*
Junior Early Years (Nursery-Year 2) is on North Avenue, NE3 4DT — though from September 2026, all Junior School pupils will consolidate onto the West Avenue site. Junior Middle Years (Years 3-6) is at 30 West Avenue, NE3 4ES. Senior School (Years 7-11) is at The Grove, NE3 1NH — a large Victorian house with a major extension completed in 2008. The purpose-built Sixth Form Centre on Moor Road South opened in 2017.
Going co-ed: From September 2026, girls will be welcomed into Junior School (Nursery-Year 6) and Sixth Form, with the school rebranding as The Newcastle School. From September 2027, girls will be admitted across all year groups. Applications for girls are already open.
Fees (2025-26): Reception £5,155/term, Years 3-6 £6,195/term, Years 7-13 £7,590/term. Fees are all-inclusive (wrap-around care, laptops for Years 7-11, exam fees, textbooks). Sibling discounts of 10%, 20%, and 33% for second, third, and subsequent children.
Scholarships are available at Year 7 and Sixth Form entry in academic, sport, music, art, and all-rounder categories — up to 50% of fees, with Sixth Form awards up to 100% for candidates in the top 5% nationally. Means-tested bursaries from Year 3 upward, normally up to 50%.
Sport is a particular strength — the school has produced ESFA National Small Schools Football Champions and Society of Heads National Rugby Champions. Former pupils hold professional contracts at Newcastle United FC.
Best for: All-through education (3-18), strong sport, ISI Excellent, co-ed from 2026, scholarship opportunities.
Westfield School
Westfield School on Oakfield Road occupies a six-acre campus in Gosforth, serving approximately 260 pupils aged 3-18. It's primarily a girls' school, though boys have been admitted to Junior House (ages 3-11) since September 2025. Senior House and Sixth Form remain girls only. Head: Mr Neil Walker.
The school was founded in 1960 by parents who wanted a broader curriculum than other Newcastle girls' schools offered. Founding trustee Henry Brereton was a former headmaster of Gordonstoun. The school has been a member of Round Square since 1991 — an international network of schools committed to character education — and is a UNESCO associated school.
The most recent ISI inspection in September 2025 was positive, with inspectors noting that "leaders and staff build relationships with pupils that are rooted in respect and kindness" and describing pupils as "happy and healthy, safe and seen." The school addressed compliance issues identified in a 2022 inspection and was confirmed fully compliant by January 2023.
Performing arts is central to Westfield life. A large-scale musical production with a finale at Northern Stage is staged every two years, with an in-house play in alternate years. Drama is available to GCSE and A-level.
Results (2025): 93% of GCSE students achieved 5 or more strong passes — the highest in over six years. 100% pass rate in English Language. At A-level (2024), nearly 50% of grades were A*-B.
Fees (2025-26, including 20% VAT): Early Years £4,120/term, Years 1-2 £5,352/term, Years 3-6 £5,922/term, Years 7-11 £7,488/term. Lunch additional at £265-295/term. Government funding (15/30 hours) may offset Early Years costs.
Scholarships at Sixth Form entry in academic, performing arts, sport, and creative arts — up to 25% of fees. Means-tested bursaries up to 50% at the Governors' discretion.
Notable alumni include Susie Appleby (64 England rugby caps; now coaching at Exeter Chiefs) and Sally-Ann Hart MP.
Best for: Girls' education (3-18), performing arts, Round Square membership, co-ed Junior House from 2025.
How to Choose
Visit both. Open days and taster sessions are the only way to judge which school's atmosphere and ethos suit your child. Both schools welcome enquiries and visits throughout the year.
Think about co-ed timing. If you want a fully co-educational environment from day one, Newcastle School for Boys / The Newcastle School will offer that from September 2027. Westfield's Junior House is already co-ed but the senior school remains girls only.
Consider the fees structure. Newcastle School for Boys' "all-inclusive" model (wrap-around care, laptops, exam fees included) may work out differently from Westfield's base fee plus extras. Compare like-for-like across a full year.
Scholarships and bursaries. Both schools offer fee assistance. Newcastle School for Boys' top-level Sixth Form scholarships (up to 100%) are more generous on paper; Westfield's bursaries can reach 50%. Apply to both if fee support matters.
For state school options, see our guide to the [Best Schools in Gosforth](/blog/best-schools-in-gosforth).