- Work Hard
- 20th Feb 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Woodland learning, small classes and big confidence: Could Dame Allan’s be Newcastle’s happiest junior school?
- Advertisement Feature
There’s something special about walking through the gates at Dame Allan’s Junior School.
Maybe it’s the woodland setting beside Newcastle’s Town Moor. Maybe it’s the sound of laughter drifting across the playground. Or maybe it’s that unmistakable buzz of children who are genuinely excited to learn.
At Dame Allan’s Junior School and Nursery, education is about far more than ticking boxes. It’s about nurturing the whole child – socially, emotionally and intellectually – in a setting where they feel known, valued and inspired every single day.
And if you’d like to see it for yourself, the next Junior School Open Morning takes place on Saturday 14th March – the perfect opportunity to step inside and experience it first-hand.
A HOLISTIC EDUCATION THAT FEELS ENJOYABLE
Childhood should be full of curiosity, creativity and confidence. That’s why Dame Allan’s places a strong emphasis on a holistic curriculum that balances academic rigour with imagination and exploration.
Of course, the foundations matter. Pupils build excellent skills in numeracy, literacy and science. But alongside this, they dive into creative arts, sport, computing and a rich range of co-curricular activities designed to help them discover new interests and hidden talents.
Learning here isn’t passive. It’s active, engaging and purposeful. Children are encouraged to question, to think about the “why”, and to take ownership of their progress. It’s this approach that stretches imaginations and builds resilient, motivated learners ready to embrace new challenges.
Small class sizes make a real difference too. Teachers truly know each child – their strengths, their quirks, their potential – and tailor support accordingly. The result? Eager, enthusiastic pupils who develop the confidence and capability to flourish as they move on through the Dame Allan’s family of schools.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WITH ROOM TO GROW
Academic success at Dame Allan’s is built on challenge, leadership, teamwork and respect. Children are encouraged to aim high and achieve their goals from the very start.
While many schemes of work follow the National Curriculum, the school’s independence allows it to go further and broader. Subject specialist teaching in key areas, enrichment through visits and visiting speakers, and access to Senior School facilities in Years 5 and 6 all add depth and ambition to the experience.
Pupils’ progress is carefully monitored throughout the year, ensuring any additional support is put in place quickly and thoughtfully. There’s no SATs pressure here; instead, robust assessment strategies track each child’s development in a way that feels constructive rather than daunting.
The outcome is clear: confident, independent learners with excellent attitudes to learning and the maturity to contribute thoughtfully in and beyond the classroom.
OUTDOOR LEARNING THAT INSPIRES
One of the Junior School’s greatest strengths is its setting. Nestled within a mature, wooded site next to Newcastle’s Town Moor, outdoor learning is not an afterthought – it’s central to school life.
Children learn outside in all weathers, exploring and discovering in a safe, secure environment. It begins in Early Years with the much-loved Skogsmulle programme and continues right through to Year 6.
In 2023, the school launched its OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, placing outstanding play at the heart of the school day. OPAL at Dame Allan’s is now certified as ‘Platinum’, meaning they are amongst the top 1% of schools nationally for the quality of play provision.
Research shows play underpins every aspect of development – social, emotional, physical and cognitive – and Dame Allan’s has embraced this wholeheartedly. Playgrounds have become spaces of creativity, collaboration and adventure, helping children return to the classroom focused and ready to learn.
Wellies and waterproofs are part of the uniform essentials – and muddy knees are a sign of a day well spent.
PASTORAL CARE THAT TRULY CARES
Above all, Dame Allan’s is proud of its family atmosphere. A happy child learns best, and pastoral care sits at the heart of everything.
From dedicated PSHE lessons and weekly wellbeing sessions to access to a school nurse and counsellor in the welcoming “Cosy Snug”, support is thoughtful and proactive. Younger pupils are paired with older buddies, building confidence and kindness across year groups. Even Poppy the school’s Border Terrier plays her part in brightening days and calming nerves.
Parents are warmly welcomed into the community too. Through DASPA, the Dame Allan’s Parents’ Association, families connect through events, fairs and fundraising – strengthening the sense of belonging that defines the school.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. The best way to understand what makes Dame Allan’s Junior School special is to experience it in person.
Join the team on Saturday 14th March for the Junior School Open Morning. Meet the teachers, explore the woodland grounds, see lessons in action and discover how your child could thrive in a setting where academic excellence and genuine care go hand in hand.
Because at Dame Allan’s, big futures begin with happy, confident beginnings.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.