The Best Schools in the North East
(Photo of Royal Grammar School, Newcastle)
The Best Schools in the North East
The Best Private Schools in the North East, based on 2025's A-level and GCSE results
Despite being home to the world-renowned Durham University, the North East is an often scandalously ignored region of the UK. Comprising Northumberland, Newcastle, Durham and Teeside, the region’s potential is reflected in strong academic performances from its private schools.
Rankings below are based on the percentage of A-Level entries awarded A* and A grades, and percentage of the top GCSE grades (9, 8 and 7.) The latest grades are from the summer of 2025.
The national average for 2025’s A-levels was 28.2% and GCSEs was 21.8%. For independent schools the average was 48.4% (A-levels) and 48.1% (GCSEs).
Please click on a school for further details, and use our day school or boarding school guides to help you choose the best school for your family.
| Rank | School | A-Level A*/A% | GCSE A*/A% | Gender | County | Boarding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | School: Royal Grammar School Newcastle | A-Level A*/A%: 61.15% | GCSE A*/A%: 80.94% | Gender: Co-ed | County: Tyne and Wear | Boarding: Day, |
| 2 | School: Dame Allan’s Senior School | A-Level A*/A%: 48.06% | GCSE A*/A%: 61.77% | Gender: Co-ed | County: Tyne and Wear | Boarding: Day |
| 3 | School: Durham School | A-Level A*/A%: 38.00% | GCSE A*/A%: 44.30% | Gender: Co-ed | County: Durham | Boarding: Day, Boarding |
| 4 | School: Newcastle High School for Girls | A-Level A*/A%: 36.00% | GCSE A*/A%: 61.00% | Gender: Girls | County: Tyne and Wear | Boarding: Day, |
| 5 | School: Teesside High School | A-Level A*/A%: 23.08% | GCSE A*/A%: U/A | Gender: Co-ed | County: Durham | Boarding: Day, |
| 6 | School: Barnard Castle School | A-Level A*/A%: U/A | GCSE A*/A%: U/A | Gender: Co-ed | County: Durham | Boarding: Day, Boarding |
| 7 | School: Longridge Towers School | A-Level A*/A%: U/A | GCSE A*/A%: U/A | Gender: Co-ed | County: Northumberland | Boarding: Day, Boarding |
| 8 | School: The Newcastle School | A-Level A*/A%: U/A | GCSE A*/A%: 26.40% | Gender: Co-ed | County: Tyne and Wear | Boarding: Day |
| 9 | School: Westfield School | A-Level A*/A%: U/A | GCSE A*/A%: U/A | Gender: Girls | County: Tyne and Wear | Boarding: Day, |
Important
- All exam result data is for results issued in the summer of 2025, unless otherwise stated. Data is compiled from reliable, official sources and updated when sufficient results have been acquired. Results are updated and amended whenever new information becomes available.
- U/A = results are unavailable. N/A = the school does not offer this curriculum.
- Rating exam results by % of entries at A*-A (A-level), % of entries at 7,8,9 (GCSE) or average IB score per candidate is common practice. However, the format in which the data is presented (specifically, the column headings and calculations conceived for subject-specific league tables and the BTEC league table) is the copyright material of Top School Guide and protected by database right. The content is for personal, non-commerical use only, and you may not reproduce, republish, copy, or otherwise use the format or content in any way.
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