From outdoor adventures and pupil wellbeing to new opportunities for students and businesses, we catch up on the latest education news from across the North East.
A new term brings fresh opportunities, new experiences and plenty to celebrate. This season, we’re taking a look at what’s happening across the region, from imaginative early years learning and woodland adventures to Sixth Form opportunities and support for ambitious local businesses.
Muddy hands, curious minds
At Newcastle High School for Girls, muddy hands, imaginative play and outdoor adventures are helping its youngest girls build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.
There is a moment in the Woodland Kitchen at Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) that captures the spirit of early years education.
A group of girls are ‘baking a cake’. Their ingredients are leaves, twigs, mud and water, with plenty of imagination thrown in. One child counts as she adds to the mix, while another explains the recipe.
They are having fun, but they are also learning.
At NHSG’s Junior School in Sandyford, the outdoor environment acts as an extension of the classroom. Nursery and Reception girls move between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day, with trusted adults nearby to guide their learning.
The school’s leafy five-acre site includes a Forest School, Woodland Kitchen and spaces to climb, balance, investigate and create.
Every activity offers an opportunity to learn. Counting leaves develops early maths skills, while exploring the grounds can spark conversations about wildlife, nature and change.
It is an approach designed to give girls the freedom to explore, build independence and develop their natural curiosity from the very beginning.
A strong start in life
For more than 500 years, Royal Grammar School Newcastle has combined academic education with opportunities designed to help young people discover their strengths and build confidence.
The journey begins in the Junior School, where curiosity and self-belief sit alongside academic learning. Pupils are guided by the RGS Superpowers of Able, Strong, Calm and Kind.
As students move through the Senior School, opportunities expand across sport, performing arts, academic societies and volunteering.
By Sixth Form, students can choose from 30 A-Level options, including recently introduced Business Studies and Photography, alongside BTEC Sport & Exercise Science. They also have access to university and careers guidance and more than 170 co-curricular opportunities.
Beyond school, a community of almost 10,000 Old Novocastrians includes figures from business, sport, science, public service and the creative industries. Former pupils include Team GB triathlete Kate Waugh, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan and television and film producer Leo Pearlman.
Upcoming admissions events include RGS Insights Evening on 24 September, Sixth Form Open Evening on 15 October and RGS Open Morning on 14 November.
Wellbeing, woodland and worry monsters
Outdoor adventures, creative activities and dedicated wellbeing support all play a part in life at Dame Allan’s Junior School.
Outdoor education is a key part of the school’s approach. Woodland Ways gives pupils an outdoor ‘classroom’ where they can learn about nature, while the newly renovated Whispering Woods provides another setting for regular adventures.
Dame Allan’s also holds Platinum status for its Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme, placing it among the top one per cent of schools nationally for quality of play provision.
Beyond outdoor learning, pupils can explore a varied co-curricular programme. Activities range from ukulele and robotics to dance and fencing.
Wellbeing support includes a dedicated counsellor and school nurse. The Cosy Snug provides a quiet space with books, art supplies and the Worry Monster, a furry friend designed to help children articulate their anxieties. There is even the opportunity for a cuddle with Poppy the therapy dog.
Dame Allan’s next Junior Open Morning takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026.
For more information, call 0191 275 1500 or visit dameallans.co.uk
Helping businesses grow
Teesside University is encouraging local SMEs and social enterprises to take advantage of its upcoming Help to Grow: Management programme.
The 12-week programme begins on 28 September and combines five campus sessions with seven online sessions, alongside peer-to-peer learning.
Participants receive expert-led business growth sessions, 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring and practical guidance. They will also create a bespoke growth plan for their organisation.
The programme is 90% government-funded, with participants paying £750. Those taking part also gain access to a network of fellow business leaders and an active alumni community.
For eligibility, dates and registration details, visit tees.ac.uk/
