Jon Strong on 28 years at Dame Allan’s and his final marathon
After 28 years of inspiring linguists, Jon Strong has retired from Dame Allan’s Schools this summer. While he has stepped away from the classroom, he is stepping directly onto the start line of a remarkable personal challenge that has run alongside his teaching career for over a decade – completing his A–Z of marathons. Since […]
More than 20 years inspiring a love of languages
After more than 20 years at Dame Allan’s Schools, French teacher Claude Cedeyn has retired, bringing to a close a career defined by her passion for languages and the relationships she built with generations of pupils. Originally from northern France, Claude first came to England while studying English Language and Literature at the University of […]
Full circle at Dame Allan’s as Andy Brown retires after 22 years
After 22 “fast-paced and deeply rewarding” years at Dame Allan’s Junior School, Andy Brown is retiring from his role as Year 6 teacher and Key Stage 2 Phase Leader. His departure closes a remarkable chapter in a career that spans every stage of the school’s community – first as a pupil, then as a teacher […]
“I’ve been paid to do something I absolutely adore” Honor McPhillips reflects on 17 years at Dame Allan’s
For 17 years, Honor McPhillips has been one of the first faces to welcome pupils, parents and visitors through the doors of Dame Allan’s Schools. Whether offering reassurance to a new family, helping a pupil, organising transport for school trips or keeping the busy school day running smoothly, Honor has become a much-loved member of […]
Dame Allan’s leads the way with record-breaking DofE success
Dame Allan’s Schools has established itself as one of the leading Duke of Edinburgh’s Award centres in the North of England, boasting record participation, sustained 16-year growth and completion rates believed to be among the highest nationally. The programme, embedded across the Schools as part of its wider outdoor education and leadership provision, is positioned […]
Dame Allan’s launches HPQ to strengthen independent learning at GCSE
Dame Allan’s Schools has introduced the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) for Year 9 pupils—thought to be among only a small number of schools in the North East to do so—broadening its academic offer and encouraging independent learning from an earlier stage. The Level 2 qualification is designed to develop independent learning, research skills and intellectual […]
From club sessions to national champions: Esports thriving at Dame Allan’s
Esports is continuing to grow at Dame Allan’s Schools, with pupils now competing — and succeeding — at the highest level of national school competition. Over the past three years, Dame Allan’s has developed its competitive esports programme through the Digital Schoolhouse tournament, run in partnership with Nintendo. After reaching the national finals for the […]
Dame Allan’s ‘Chiefs’ charge ahead to national flag football finals
Pupils at Dame Allan’s Junior School are heading to the national flag football finals in Manchester this month after being crowned North East regional champions. The squad has achieved remarkable success in the fast-growing, non-contact version of American football, a sport confirmed to make its official debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. […]
Young artists showcase creativity in Newcastle LEGO exhibition celebrating neurodiversity and inclusion
Pupils from Dame Allan’s Junior School have showcased their creativity in a major city-centre exhibition celebrating neurodiverse artists and inclusive creativity. Eight pupils from Years 2 to 6 took part in the award-winning Wey Aye LEGO Man 2026 project, designing personalised LEGO-inspired figures reflecting their personalities and passions, now on display at One Strawberry Lane […]
Mandy Hickson speaks at Dame Allan’s Schools
Former RAF fast jet pilot Mandy Hickson delivered a powerful and uncompromising message to pupils at Dame Allan’s Schools as the latest speaker in The Lectures series — drawing on combat missions over Iraq, personal setbacks and life on a male-dominated squadron to challenge young people to rethink fear, failure and what they believe is […]