Newcastle High School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Tankerville Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3BA
• Age Range: 3-18 years (girls only)
• School Type: Independent day school, Girls' Day School Trust (GDST)
• Student Numbers: Approximately 677 pupils
• Head: Mrs Amanda Hardie (Acting Head)
• Annual Fees: £5,310 - £15,051 per year
• Phone: 0191 281 1768
• Website: newcastlehigh.gdst.net

About Newcastle High School for Girls

Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) exemplifies educational excellence in the heart of Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. Founded in 2014 through the strategic merger of Central Newcastle High School and Newcastle upon Tyne Church High School, the school operates under the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust network, benefiting from over 150 years of educational expertise.

Set on a beautiful five-acre campus, NHSG provides an inspiring environment where girls aged 3 to 18 develop into confident, articulate young women ready to excel in an increasingly competitive world. The school's commitment to academic rigour is matched by its dedication to nurturing individual talents and fostering leadership qualities that will serve pupils throughout their lives.

As part of the GDST family, NHSG benefits from research-backed teaching methods specifically designed for girls' learning styles. The school's approach recognises that girls often thrive in collaborative environments and benefit from teaching methods that encourage risk-taking and intellectual curiosity. This understanding permeates every aspect of school life, from the curriculum design to the extensive co-curricular programme.

The school's location in leafy Jesmond provides easy access for families across Newcastle and the surrounding areas, whilst maintaining the peaceful, academic atmosphere essential for serious study. NHSG's reputation extends well beyond the North East, attracting families who recognise the value of a GDST education in preparing their daughters for leading universities and successful careers.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Newcastle High School for Girls publishes day fees of £6,180 (Year 7, Senior School) per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round: Not published as a fixed date: site states awards/bursary applications close "at the end of the autumn term" before entry, and that Year 7 applications are recommended in the autumn term, but general fee-paying applications are accepted year-round. Assessment dates: Not published as a fixed date: site states Year 7 entrance examinations "take place in January" for September entry the same year, without a specific 2027 date. A 45-minute English comprehension/writing paper, a 45-minute maths paper, a computer-based verbal/non-verbal/numerical ability test, and an interview with a teaching staff member, all typically on the same day. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Newcastle High School for Girls

Newcastle High School for Girls employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will flourish in their academically demanding environment. The 11+ entrance examination takes place in January and consists of several components that evaluate both academic ability and potential for future success.

Mathematics Assessment: The mathematics paper assesses numerical fluency, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning. Pupils encounter questions that test their understanding of key concepts whilst challenging them to apply mathematical thinking to unfamiliar situations. The examination covers topics typically studied in Years 5 and 6, including arithmetic, algebra basics, geometry, and data handling.

English Assessment: The English examination evaluates reading comprehension, writing ability, and language skills. Pupils complete comprehension exercises based on both fiction and non-fiction texts, demonstrating their ability to analyse, interpret, and respond thoughtfully to written material. The writing component assesses creativity, technical accuracy, and the ability to structure arguments coherently.

Verbal Reasoning: This component tests logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and the ability to understand relationships between words and concepts. Questions may include analogies, code-breaking exercises, and logical sequences that require careful analysis and clear thinking.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: These assessments evaluate spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning using diagrams and visual information. Pupils work with shapes, sequences, and abstract patterns to demonstrate their analytical thinking skills.

The school seeks pupils who demonstrate not only academic ability but also intellectual curiosity and the potential to contribute positively to the NHSG community. Performance across all assessment areas is considered, along with the pupil's current school report and any additional information provided during the application process.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Newcastle High School for Girls requires careful planning and attention to deadlines. Families should begin the process well in advance to ensure all requirements are met.

Initial Steps:
Visit the school's website at newcastlehigh.gdst.net to access the latest admissions information and download application forms. The school strongly encourages families to attend an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the NHSG environment firsthand and ask specific questions about the school's approach to education.

Application Submission:
Complete the application form thoroughly, ensuring all sections are properly filled and supporting documentation is included. The application deadline typically falls in the autumn term preceding the intended year of entry, and late applications may not be considered if places are limited.

Assessment Day:
Successful applicants receive invitations to attend the entrance assessment day in January. Pupils should arrive well-rested and prepared, bringing the required stationery and any specified materials. The assessment day includes the formal entrance examinations and may incorporate additional activities designed to assess pupils' potential contribution to school life.

Interview Process:
Following the written assessments, selected candidates attend interviews with senior staff members. These conversations allow the school to understand each pupil's interests, motivations, and suitability for the NHSG environment whilst giving families the opportunity to discuss their educational aspirations.

Decision Timeline:
Admission decisions are typically communicated in February, allowing families sufficient time to make informed choices about their daughter's secondary education. Successful candidates receive detailed information about transition arrangements and preparation for their start at NHSG.

Preparing for the Newcastle High School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Newcastle High School for Girls 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the North of England and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.