Yarm School
Secular, Founded 1978
Updated July 2026
Yarm School is a leading independent day school for pupils aged 3-18, located in Yarm, North Yorkshire. It is recognised for its outstanding academic results, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong commitment to both academic and co-curricular excellence.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to provide a nurturing, friendly, and mutually supportive environment that educates pupils for life, not just for academic success. It encourages a 'can do' ethos that builds confidence and self-esteem, while fostering attributes and skills sought by employers to ensure pupils contribute positively to society. The school values a broad, dynamic curriculum that stretches pupils and encourages them to step outside their comfort zones.
Programmes
The school provides a continuous educational pathway from Pre-School (starting at age three) through to the Sixth Form (age 18). The curriculum is broad and dynamic, extending beyond the National Curriculum to include specialist teaching in subjects such as French, music, and PE from an early age. In the Senior School and Sixth Form, the academic programme is supported by specialist facilities and a focus on preparing students for higher education and beyond.
Outcomes
Yarm School is a top-performing institution in the North East, with pupils regularly securing places at competitive universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and in fields such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. The school has been recognised as the 'Independent Prep School of the Year' in the 2024 Tes Schools Awards and is frequently ranked among the top schools in the region.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains optimal class sizes and a generous allocation of teaching assistants to provide individual support to pupils. This approach ensures that the curriculum can be differentiated to stretch and support each child according to their unique needs and abilities.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Yarm School?
- Annual tuition at Yarm School is £7.6K–£22.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Yarm School co-educational?
- Yarm School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Yarm School located?
- Yarm School is an international school in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-School Full day attendance (5 days per week) with Nursery Grant | 3–4 | £7.6K |
| Pre-School without Nursery Grant | 3–4 | £10.9K |
| Reception | 4–5 | £13.1K |
| Years 1 and 2 | 5–7 | £13.3K |
| Years 3 and 4 | 7–9 | £16.7K |
| Years 5 and 6 | 9–11 | £18.4K |
| Senior School & Sixth Form Aged 11 - 18 | 11–18 | £22.1K |
Other fees(3)
| Mealsterm· All ages (compulsory) | £343 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Registration Fee | £75 |
| Deposit· Refunded via a credit on your final fee statement, but not refundable if your child does not take up a place at the School. | £250 |
Admissions
Yarm School is an academically selective institution that welcomes applications throughout the year, subject to space. The admissions process varies by age: informal assessments are used for the Pre-Prep, while formal entrance examinations are required for the Senior School and interviews for the Sixth Form. Scholarships and bursaries are available for pupils entering the First Year (Year 7) and the Sixth Form.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year. The 2026/27 academic year begins with a preparation day on 1st September 2026, followed by an induction day for new pupils on 2nd September, with all pupils returning on 3rd September. The year concludes with the Summer Term finishing on 8th July 2027.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is spread across multiple sites in Yarm, including a Pre-School and Pre-Prep site at The Spital, a Preparatory School on Grammar School Lane, and an 18-acre parkland Senior School campus at The Friarage. Facilities include science laboratories, design and technology workshops, ICT suites, a 750-seat Princess Alexandra Auditorium, a studio theatre, a music school with a recording studio, and a library. Sports facilities feature a fitness suite, a sports hall, four floodlit all-weather areas, 20 acres of playing fields, and a boathouse on the River Tees.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive co-curricular programme including sport, music, drama, and outdoor education. Pupils participate in competitive fixtures in sports such as hockey, netball, rowing, rugby, and tennis, with teams frequently reaching national finals. Additional activities include a Physics Society, chess tournaments, and charity volunteering, supported by facilities like the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and a dedicated boathouse.
- Dr Huw WilliamsHeadmaster
Dr Huw Williams is the Headmaster of Yarm School. He emphasizes the school's inclusive approach to sport, the importance of community, and the school's commitment to providing a broad and ambitious education.
- Bill SawyerPrep School Head
Bill Sawyer is the Prep School Head. He highlights the school's focus on adventure, discovery, and the thrill of learning, and expresses his commitment to working in partnership with families to help pupils flourish.
- David BoddyHead of Co-Curriculum & Partnerships
David Boddy has been at Yarm School for over 30 years, initially as a pupil and returning as an English teacher in 2002. He has held various roles in pastoral, academic, and co-curricular management and currently oversees the school's co-curricular life and community partnerships.
- Dr Paul PrideauxHead of Physics
Dr Paul Prideaux is the Head of Physics at the Senior School. He notes the popularity of science in the curriculum, the availability of specialist teaching and laboratory equipment, and his past experience leading Bede House.
- Nicola HodgsonHead of Girls’ Games
Nicola Hodgson is the Head of Girls’ Games. She has overseen significant national sporting achievements for the school's hockey and netball teams, emphasizing the pupils' commitment and passion for sport.
- Kate HarandonPrep School Teacher
Kate Harandon is a Prep School Teacher who joined Yarm Pre-Prep in 2011. She has had the opportunity to develop her skill set and work with a team of dedicated colleagues while supporting children's growth and confidence.
- Melissa MeikleSenior HR Adviser
Melissa Meikle is the Senior HR Adviser at Yarm School. She is a former pupil who joined the school for Sixth Form in 2005 and now manages staff across their employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.