Schools & Education in Hexham
Hexham sits within Northumberland's three-tier school system, with a network of first and middle schools feeding into Queen Elizabeth High School. From early years through to sixth form, here is how education works in the town.
Northumberland's Three-Tier System
Hexham uses Northumberland's three-tier structure — different from most of England. Children move through first, middle, and high school.
First School
Nursery – Year 4
First schools take children from the nursery year to Year 4. Hexham's first schools include The Sele, Hexham First, and St Mary's Catholic First.
Middle School
Year 5 – Year 8
Children transfer to middle school in Year 5. Hexham Middle School and St Joseph's Catholic Middle School serve the town.
High School
Year 9 – Year 13
Queen Elizabeth High School (QEHS) takes students from Year 9 through to sixth form. Rated Good at its last inspection (2024).
School Profiles
Detailed guides to individual schools and nurseries 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
The state schools serving Hexham, with the school tier, age range, and latest Ofsted rating.
| School | Tier | Ages | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth High School | High | 13–18 | Good (2024) |
| Hexham Middle School | Middle | 9–13 | Good (2024) |
| St Joseph's Catholic Middle School | Middle | 9–13 | Good (2023) |
| The Sele First School | First | 3–9 | Good (2022) |
| Hexham First School | First | 3–9 | Good (2022) |
| St Mary's Catholic First School | First | 4–9 | Good (2023) |
Ofsted ratings are from each school's most recent graded inspection (year shown). From September 2024, Ofsted no longer issues a single overall grade at inspection.
Nurseries in Hexham
Early-years settings in and around Hexham.
Kids 1st Hexham
Maidens Walk, Hexham, NE46 1DR
Apple Blossom Day Nursery
Bluebird House, Haugh Lane, Hexham, NE46 3PU
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.
Music
2 tutorsPiano, guitar, violin, singing, drums, and more.
Academic
1 tutorMaths, English, science, and exam preparation.
Art & Craft
2 tutorsArt classes, drama coaching, and creative skills.
Sports
4 tutorsFootball, tennis, swimming, and fitness coaching.
Dance & Fitness
2 tutorsBallet, contemporary, street dance, and more.
Languages
1 tutorFrench, Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.