Mowden Hall School
School summary
Set in Stocksfield, Northumberland, Mowden Hall is a small independent prep school taking boys and girls from ages 3 to 13, with boarding available alongside day places. With 227 pupils and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 8, classes are intimate and pupils are well known to staff. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent overall, awarding the same top grade for pupils' personal development and confirming that all compliance standards were met. Led by Head Phil Sturt, it suits families seeking a nurturing, traditional preparatory education ahead of senior school.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 4 November 2025
Teaching & academics
An ISI rating of excellent points to strong teaching and outcomes across the prep years. The favourable ratio of roughly eight pupils per teacher allows close attention to each child as they prepare for entry to senior schools at 13. A notable 21% of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting the school is geared towards identifying and helping a range of learning needs.
Head · Phil Sturt
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships span academic, sport, art, drama, music and all-rounder categories, reflecting breadth beyond the classroom. The matching personal development grade indicates pupils are encouraged to develop character and interests alongside their studies.
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 21.15%
- EHC plans
- 1.76%
Mobile phone policy
Not permitted. All devices must be handed in to staff. Same applies to mp3 players, iPods, iPads and devices using cell network. Kindles may be used for reading purposes only.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,920 - £25,350
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £684 - £2,833
Schools nearby
Delta Independent School
Consett, North East
Dame Allan's Schools
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East
Bahr Academy
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East
Dame Allan's Junior School
Newcastle upon Tyne, North East
Westfield School
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East
Newcastle School for Boys
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small Northumberland prep with top inspection marks and a wide scholarship offering. Best for families wanting an attentive, traditional grounding, with the option of boarding, before the move to senior school.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Mowden Hall School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.