Dame Allan’s scoops Parent Power accolade

An independent school in Newcastle is celebrating national recognition after being ranked among the top performers in a leading parent guide.

Dame Allan’s Girls’ School, in Fenham, has been awarded Independent Secondary School of the Year (North East) by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, reflecting strong academic results and the school’s wider commitment to personal development. 

The accolade follows a standout exam season, with almost 80 per cent of A Level grades at A*–B and nearly half achieving A* or A.

At GCSE, more than a quarter of all grades were Grade 9, with 61.8 per cent of grades being a 7-9.

The boys’ school was also highly ranked, ahead of the final phase of Dame Allan’s long-term strategy to extend co-education throughout the entire Senior School from next year.

Principal Will Scott said: “This tremendous achievement reflects the strength of our educational approach which centres upon educating the individual child, building confidence and academic aspiration for all our pupils.

“The honour has come as we continue to invest in the future of our school, while protecting what we’re renowned for – our outstanding pastoral care, our excellent education and extensive co-curricular programme, which together develop happy and ambitious children.”

Beyond academic performance, the school’s broad co-curricular programme features more than 200 activities and supports pupils’ wider growth. 

Wellbeing remains of paramount importance, with a dedicated centre, counselling provision, therapy dog called Heidi (pictured below) and confidential reporting system, Whisper, in place to provide pupils with a safe and confidential platform to voice any concerns.

Facilities continue to evolve, with recent investment including the £8 million Jubilee Building, upgraded Sixth Form Centre and upcoming improvements to the schools’ sports facilities.

Meanwhile, the School’s inspiring speaker series, The Lectures, offers pupils and their families the chance to hear from figures such as Dragons’ Den judge Sara Davies and historian Lucy Worsley.

Mr Scott added: “It is the expertise and dedication of our staff that has enabled girls and boys to excel and that same strength will ensure every child thrives as we move to full co-education.

“Our strong set of academic results, and the strength of our educational and pastoral approach, will enable us to deliver the best quality of education in the North East for boys and girls for years to come.”

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