Best Schools in Hexham

Schools in Hexham: A Guide to the Three-Tier System

Hexham is one of the few places in England where the traditional three-tier education system remains firmly in place. Children here move through first school, middle school, and high school — a structure that Northumberland has long defended as well suited to the town's close-knit communities.

Understanding the Three-Tier System

Under Northumberland's three-tier model:

• First schools take children from age 4 (Reception) to age 9 (end of Year 4)
• Middle school covers ages 9-13 (Years 5 to 8)
• High school covers ages 13-18 (Years 9 to 13, including Sixth Form)

The transition ages differ from the two-tier system most of England uses, so it's worth bearing this in mind if you're moving to the area from elsewhere.

First Schools (Ages 4-9)

The Sele First School

One of the largest first schools in the area, The Sele First School is located on Sele Road, Hexham. It was rated Good by Ofsted following an inspection in June 2022, with positive grades across all areas. The school has a strong community feel and is popular with families in the central Hexham area.

Hexham First School

Located on Beaufront Avenue, Hexham First School was rated Good by Ofsted in April 2022. It serves the west side of Hexham and has a solid reputation for nurturing the youngest learners through Reception and Key Stage 1.

St Mary's Catholic First School

St Mary's is a Roman Catholic academy catering for around 100 boys and girls aged 4-9. It is part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust and was rated Good by Ofsted in July 2023. The current school building opened in 2020, giving it one of the most modern learning environments in the town.

Middle School (Ages 9-13)

Hexham Middle School

Hexham Middle School is the only state middle school serving the town and is the pivot point of the three-tier system. Almost all pupils from Hexham's first schools transfer here at the end of Year 4. The school covers Years 5 to 8 and feeds directly into Queen Elizabeth High School.

Following an ungraded inspection in April 2024, Hexham Middle School was confirmed as a Good school, with the lead inspector providing overwhelmingly positive feedback across all aspects. The school is well regarded locally for its transition support and extracurricular programme.

High School (Ages 13-18)

Queen Elizabeth High School (QEHS)

Queen Elizabeth High School is by some distance the most prominent school in Hexham, and one of the most respected secondary schools in Northumberland. Known locally as QEHS, it was originally founded in 1599 as Hexham Grammar School — making it one of the older schools in the North East.

Today it has approximately 1,300 students, including around 380 in the Sixth Form.

An Ofsted inspection in April 2024 rated the school Good across all categories:

• Quality of education: Good
• Behaviour and attitudes: Good
• Personal development: Good
• Leadership and management: Good
• Sixth form provision: Good

The sixth form drew particular praise, with inspectors noting that students progress to competitive university courses and that high expectations are embedded throughout the school culture.

QEHS is part of the Tynedale Virtual College, a collaboration with three other Tyne Valley high schools and Northumberland College that broadens the range of A-level and vocational courses available to sixth formers.

Special School

Hexham Priory School

Hexham Priory School on Corbridge Road is a state special school for pupils aged 2-19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. In February 2023, it was rated Outstanding by Ofsted — a significant achievement and a testament to the quality of care and education provided.

Key Transition Points

If you're new to the area, the key transfer dates in Hexham's three-tier system are:

1. Reception entry — September of the year a child turns 5
2. Middle school transfer — September after Year 4 (age 9)
3. High school transfer — September after Year 8 (age 13)

Applications are handled by Northumberland County Council's admissions team, and most children follow their local pyramid automatically.