
Kings Priory School
Part of Woodard Academies Trust, Christian
Updated July 2026
Kings Priory School is an inclusive, all-through academy for pupils aged 4–19, formed from the merger of an independent school and a community primary school. Located in Tynemouth, it is part of the Woodard Academies Trust and is recognized as a high-performing school committed to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is an inclusive, non-fee paying academy that aims to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—within a family environment. Rooted in Christian faith, the school fosters a community marked by kindness, tolerance, and respect, while remaining open to students and staff of all faiths and none. It emphasizes both traditional academic standards and the development of habits of mind, such as curiosity, reasoning, and problem-solving, to prepare pupils for the modern world.
Programmes
The school provides an all-through education spanning First School (EYFS–Year 4), Middle School (Years 5–8), Senior School (Years 9–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, covering a wide range of traditional subjects while integrating modern skills and a comprehensive enrichment programme. Careers education is embedded throughout the school, utilizing the Gatsby Benchmarks to support students from the First School through to the Sixth Form.
Outcomes
Kings Priory School is one of the highest-performing schools in the North East of England, with pupils consistently achieving results well above the national average in public examinations. In 2025, 94% of GCSE pupils achieved a grade 4 or higher in both English and Mathematics. Many Sixth Form students successfully secure offers from their first-choice universities, supported by leadership qualifications and extracurricular achievements.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides dedicated support for pupils, including a focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing. It has a designated safeguarding team, including a School Designated Safeguarding Lead, and provides specific support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), young carers, and those eligible for Pupil Premium.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What ages does Kings Priory School teach?
- Kings Priory School enrolls students aged 4 to 19.
- Is Kings Priory School co-educational?
- Kings Priory School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Kings Priory School located?
- Kings Priory School is an international school in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Kings Priory School is an all-through academy with main points of entry at Reception, Year 7, and Sixth Form (Year 12). Applications for Reception and Year 7 are managed through the North Tyneside Council common application process. For other year groups, admission is subject to space availability, and the school maintains waiting lists for all year groups managed by the Woodard Academies Trust.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based system, with specific term dates and daily timings available through the school's official communication channels and website.
About the campus
The school operates across neighbouring sites in the centre of Tynemouth, situated near the ancient Priory, the River Tyne, and the beach. The campus provides a historical and picturesque setting for learning, with dedicated spaces for various age groups and activities, including nature areas and facilities for outdoor play.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a comprehensive enrichment programme that includes musical opportunities, a wide range of sports, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students can participate in student leadership roles, including a Senior Prefect team and a Sports Leaders programme, which allows students to work towards a Level 3 qualification. Additionally, a student-led Journalism club produces the Kings Priory Journal, bridging the gap between Sixth Form and younger years.
- Philip SandersonPrincipal
Philip Sanderson is the Principal of Kings Priory School. He holds an MA (Oxon), MSt, PGCE, and NPQH.
- Faith HearnPhase Leader
Faith Hearn is a Phase Leader with nine years of teaching experience, primarily in Reception. She holds an LLB (Hons) in Law, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, a PGCE in Primary Education, and an NPQLL.
- Sarah TaylorOut of School Club and Business Development Manager
Sarah Taylor is the Out of School Club and Business Development Manager. She has over ten years of experience in child care and has led the Out of School Club since September 2015.
- Emily MeliaOut of School Club Deputy Manager
Emily Melia is the Out of School Club Deputy Manager. She holds a BA Joint Honours in Early Years and Childhood Studies and is a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Angela RollsOut of School Club Team Leader
Angela Rolls is an Out of School Club Team Leader and Lunchtime Supervisor. She holds a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification, a Nursery Nurse Diploma, and a Diploma in Art and Design.
- Fraire ArmstrongOut of School Club Team Leader
Fraire Armstrong is an Out of School Club Team Leader. She holds an MA (Hons) in Drama & Script writing, a BA (Hons) in Drama, and a LAMDA teaching qualification in Communication.
- Rebecca WatsonDesignated Safeguarding Lead
Rebecca Watson is the School Designated Safeguarding Lead.
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