Multi-million pound girls' school merger is major social investment for North East, say governors

Two Newcastle girls’ schools have merged, representing a multi-million pound investment in the North East.

Central Newcastle High School and Newcastle upon Tyne Church High School rebrand as Newcastle High School for Girls, in time for official opening next year.

School governors say The Girls’ Day School Trust’s multi-million pound project represents a major investment in the “social capital” of the NE region.

Hilary French, current headmistress of Central High and future headmistress of Newcastle High School for Girls, outlined the vision for the new school and unveiled the seahorse logo along with materials showing the bold and distinctive teal colour scheme of the school’s new branding and school uniform to parents and pupils of both schools together.

She said: “The launch of the vision and brand is a very significant occasion and heralds an exciting future for the education of girls in the NE region.

“The merger of these two schools provides a rare opportunity to bring together the best of the old and the new. The new school will have the tradition and heritage of two well known and successful schools with over 250 years of history between them, combined with the vision, approach and facilities of a 21st century learning environment including its ethos, innovative curriculum and buildings.

“We are absolutely delighted with our new seahorse emblem and distinctive branding. It is a powerful icon symbolising our strong links with Newcastle.

“Newcastle’s Coat of Arms includes two mythical seahorses and this has been the start point for the development of our emblem which also embodies many desirable values of the new School. The response from all quarters has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The schools have been working with local design agency Drummond Central to create the branding of the new school.

Jamie Davies, Account Director, Drummond, said: “When developing a new brand, it is massively important to get the fundamentals right from the start. The contribution of current and former pupils, parents, staff and governors in our focus groups proved invaluable here.

“Although history and heritage were seen as important, the clear mandate was for a modern, fresh and innovative new look with a strong regional locator. We are very excited about the iconic seahorse which is both emblematic of the City - just look on top of the Civic Centre – and embodies many positive virtues we wish to promote.”