Education in Hexham
Hexham's education story is shaped by one remarkable school: Kings Priory, an all-through academy covering ages 4 to 18. Formed from the merger of a historic independent school and a state primary, it means most Hexham children can walk to one school for their entire education — from Reception to Sixth Form.
The School System
Hexham uses the standard two-tier system (primary + secondary), but Kings Priory's all-through model offers a third option that most local families choose.
Primary School
Reception - Year 6
Children in Hexham can attend the primary phase of Kings Priory School (ages 4-11) or nearby Cullercoats Primary School. Both are rated Good by Ofsted. Kings Priory has the advantage of continuity — children don't need to change schools at age 11.
Secondary School
Year 7 - Year 13
Kings Priory's secondary phase runs from Year 7 through to Sixth Form (age 18). The nearest mainstream alternative is Marden High School in Cullercoats, which covers ages 11-16 (no sixth form). There are no independent schools in Hexham — the former King's School merged into Kings Priory in 2013.
Kings Priory School
The defining school in Hexham — an all-through academy covering Reception to Sixth Form.
An All-Through Academy (Ages 4-18)
Kings Priory School was formed in 2013 from the merger of The King's School Hexham (an independent school with centuries of history) and Priory Primary School. It is now part of the Woodard Academies Trust and operates as a non-selective, co-educational school with a Christian foundation.
With around 1,350 pupils on a single site at Huntington Place, Kings Priory is unusual in offering a continuous education from Reception through to A-Levels. For families, this means no disruptive school transition at age 11 — children grow up in one community from their first day to their last.
Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
School Profiles
Detailed guides to individual schools in the Hexham area.
School Holidays: Northumberland Term Dates 2025-2027
Official Northumberland term dates for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with INSET day guidance for Hexham schools.
Find a Tutor in Hexham
Music lessons, swimming coaching, tennis, martial arts, dance, art classes, and academic tutoring in Hexham.
Best Nurseries in Hexham
Ofsted ratings, age ranges, and what to expect — a guide to nurseries and pre-schools in Hexham.
Best Schools in Hexham
A complete guide to Hexham's three-tier school system — first schools, middle school, and Queen Elizabeth High School, with Ofsted ratings and key facts.
All Hexham Schools
Every school in or near Hexham with ratings, age range, and pupil numbers.
| School | Type | Ages | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Priory School | All-through Academy | 4-18 | Good |
| Cullercoats Primary School | State Primary | 4-11 | Good |
| Marden High School | State Secondary | 11-16 | Good |
| Southlands School | Special School | 11-16 | TBC |
Nurseries in Hexham
Nurseries and early-years settings in the Hexham area.
Hexham Nursery Group (Preston Avenue)
2 Preston Avenue, North Shields, NE46 2BS
Hexham Nursery Group (Billy Mill)
142-144 Queen Alexandra Rd West, NE29 9AF
Beyond Kings Priory
For families wanting options beyond Kings Priory, two nearby schools offer alternatives.
Cullercoats Primary School
A community primary school on Marden Avenue in Cullercoats, a short walk from Hexham. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022). An alternative to Kings Priory's primary phase for families who prefer a standalone primary school closer to the coast.
Marden High School
A state community secondary school in Cullercoats covering ages 11-16 with around 943 pupils. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022). No sixth form — students typically move to TyneMet College or Newcastle sixth forms for A-Levels. The nearest mainstream secondary alternative to Kings Priory.
Resources for Parents
Lessons, Coaching & Tutoring
Local tutors covering music, academic subjects, sports coaching, dance, languages, and the arts. All based in or around Hexham and Northumberland.
Music
32 tutorsPiano, guitar, violin, singing, drums, and more.
Academic
17 tutorsMaths, English, science, and exam preparation.
Art & Craft
20 tutorsArt classes, drama coaching, and creative skills.
Sports
48 tutorsFootball, tennis, swimming, and fitness coaching.
Dance & Fitness
18 tutorsBallet, contemporary, street dance, and more.
Languages
8 tutorsFrench, Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.