±¬ÁÏÍø

Independent Prep School of the Year in the Tes Awards!

Yarm Prep School is delighted to be announced Independent Prep School of the Year in the 2024 Tes Schools Awards.

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Explore the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School

Book a tour to explore the fantastic opportunities on offer and meet our wonderful teachers and pupils!

Tour the Prep School

'EXCELLENT' Inspection reports

We are extremely proud that both Yarm Prep and Senior School were rated 'EXCELLENT' - the highest outcome in every category in the recent ISI Inspection report.

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One of the country's leading independent schools

Our academic results and facilities are outstanding but we offer so much more than an excellent academic education: we firmly believe in educating for life.

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Let the adventure begin at Prep School

Pupils are taught to be ambitious and seize opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Our curriculum is wonderfully broad, dynamic and responsive to the needs of our pupils.

Our Prep School

Be inspired at Yarm Sixth Form

Our students consistently achieve exceptional A-level results and receive the pastoral care and support needed to flourish as young adults beyond the Sixth Form.

Our Sixth Form

±¬ÁÏÍø is a leading independent school for pupils aged 3-18 located in the beautiful town of Yarm in the North East of England.

Since our foundation in 1978, we have established ourselves as the major educational success story in the North East. Our outstanding academic success has placed us as the top performing school in Teesside and County Durham and our unrivalled extra-curricular opportunities have seen pupils achieving regional, country and even national honours.

We offer specialist teaching, outstanding pastoral care, state-of-the-art facilities, an extensive extra-curricular programme and small class sizes to all of our pupils here at ±¬ÁÏÍø. Our aim is to provide pupils with the attributes they need to develop into adults who will contribute positively to society. It is important to us that the necessary skills are honed within a caring, friendly and mutually supportive community. 

Our independent Nursery, Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form welcome ambitious families from around Teesside and the North East, including Yarm, Stockton, Wynyard, Darlington, Northallerton, Hartlepool and more.

More about ±¬ÁÏÍø

30%

of pupils achieved 3 or more A*-A grades in their 2024 A Levels

£30³¾+

spent on superb award-winning facilities

£25,000

raised by the Prep and Senior School for charities in the last year

7 times

Eco-Schools Green Flag Award winner

38,000

visitors from the school and local community to the school's Friarage Theatre and Princess Alexandra Auditorium to see events

320

pupils involved in the school’s annual Lower School Prize Giving musical performance

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We Are ±¬ÁÏÍø

David Boddy

David Boddy

Head of Co-Curriculum & Partnerships

Since I first arrived at Yarm as a pupil over 30 years ago, and returned as an English teacher in 2002, I’ve seen a lot of change and development; in fact, it feels like it’s been three or four different schools in that time! The constant thread running throughout has been a wide and ambitious vision of what education can mean, both within the classroom and beyond, and I’m enormously proud to be part of our school’s story. Rather like Dr Who, I’m fortunate to have regenerated in a succession of roles over the years, contributing to pastoral, academic and co-curricular management in a variety of ways. My current role is the best yet, with oversight of our vibrant co-curricular life and our partnerships with the community beyond the school gates.

Rachel Algate

Rachel Algate

Office Manager

I am extremely proud and privileged to be the Officer Manager here at ±¬ÁÏÍø. The main office is the heart of the school which not only allows me to support all of my colleagues, but also gives me the honour to watch the students flourish and grow throughout their years here at Yarm. Yarm school is a busy but rewarding environment where no day is the same. I am extremely lucky to be able to work alongside such a wonderful team and truly enjoy each day.

Kate Harandon

Kate Harandon

Prep School Teacher

My older brother attended ±¬ÁÏÍø, so I have always been aware of its ethos and values. I felt incredibly lucky to acquire a teaching position in 2011 at Yarm Pre-Prep. Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to continually develop my skill set and work alongside a team of dedicated colleagues. I have seen many children grow and develop in confidence, making excellent progress in all areas of the curriculum. The opportunities at Yarm are wide ranging and it allows the children to broaden their horizons and embrace new challenges. I feel very honoured to be a part of their journey and a key member of the ±¬ÁÏÍø community, as it continues to expand and have an impact on future generations.

Melissa Meikle

Melissa Meikle

Senior HR Adviser

I joined ±¬ÁÏÍø September 2005 for Sixth Form. From my time at Yarm, I recall many fond memories of sporting competitions, Sixth Form dinners and end of term ceremonies. The majority of the enjoyment from my time was in part due to friendships with peers and supportive teaching staff.Returning as a member of staff, I have seen countless positive changes in the infrastructure of the school, my younger self would have really appreciated the on tap cappuccinos from the Shack! What I enjoy most about my job is that I get to work with staff across all aspects of their employee lifecycle including from recruitment to retirement.

Dr Paul Prideaux

Dr Paul Prideaux

Head of Physics

Science is a very popular part of our curriculum. We're lucky to have physics specialists teaching at all levels in the Senior School and the latest laboratory equipment. Results in Physics are some of the best of all subjects. We have a growing Physics Society, and our Second Year pupils recently won the Physics Olympics trophy.Our House system is also a highlight for me. I led Bede House for fourteen years helping to raise thousands of pounds for our House charities and I'll never forget the camaraderie across all pupil ages in events, such as House Drama.

Huw Williams

Huw Williams

Headmaster

I feel incredibly lucky to be Headmaster of such a fantastic school. The sense of community at Yarm is second to none and we value our place in our local community, too.  The breadth of opportunity on offer means that there is something for everyone to discover and in which to thrive.  Our pupils are confident without a shred of pretentiousness and our talented and passionate staff guide and support each individual on their personal journeys of discovery. This is no ordinary school!

Bill Sawyer

Bill Sawyer

Prep School Head

Adventure, discovery and the thrill of learning abound from the very first day a pupil joins us. There is a unique buzz about life at Yarm and a genuine warmth that runs throughout our community. We are committed to working in close partnership for the benefit of every boy and girl. It’s a pleasure, a privilege and huge amounts of fun helping each pupil flourish as they journey through the School. We love what we do and so will you!

Sarah

Sarah

Former Pupil - Architecture | Cambridge University

I'm currently studying Architecture at Cambridge University and row for the Cambridge Women's Blues crew. I loved my time at Yarm and made friends for life there. I am so grateful to all of my teachers for supporting me and preparing me so well for life after Yarm and of course to the rowing and sports coaches who were instrumental to my rowing success whilst at School, exposing me to numerous valuable opportunities and experiences.

Jonny

Jonny

Former Pupil & Science Scholar - Machine Learning Engineer | Lloyds Bank

±¬ÁÏÍø's Sixth Form Scholarship completely changed my life. When I joined the School, I found myself for the first time being taught and mentored by passionate teachers that were going above and beyond to enable my learning and ultimately, my success. The extra-curricular clubs and activities are extensive and I was able to take advantage of plenty of sports clubs, music ensembles, charity volunteering and far more, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I can say with confidence that I would not be where I am today if not for the unbelievable academic and extra-curricular support and opportunities that I was provided during my time at Yarm. I am incredibly thankful to have been offered the chance to study at such an excellent school for two amazing years. 

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