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Before settling into its current magnificent home at Newton Hall, near Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1945. Originally established as a traditional boys-only boarding preparatory school, Mowden Hall quickly earned a reputation as one of the North’s leading independent schools. The School began welcoming girls in 1982 and expanded further in 1993 with the opening of a dedicated Pre-Prep Department.
The grand estate—formerly the home of the Joicey family and built in 1835 by the renowned northern architect John Dobson—was thoughtfully adapted into a fully functioning preparatory school. Today, Mowden Hall is a thriving co-educational community. The School comprises a Nursery for children aged 3 to 4, a Pre-Prep Department for ages 4 to 8 (Reception through Year 2), and a Preparatory School for pupils aged 8 to 13 (Years 3 to 8). Across the School,the boy-to-girl ratio is close to an even 50/50, with some variation between year groups.
The heart of the School lies within the Main Building, which houses the dormitories, dining rooms, common rooms, library, and the Head’s residence. Attached are modern classroom blocks and IT suites. In 1992, the original stable yard was converted to accommodate additional classrooms, science laboratories, and an art room. A purpose-built Pre-Prep facility was added in 1993, followed by the opening of a brand-new Nursery wing in 2014.
Though comprising Nursery, Pre-Prep, and Prep divisions, Mowden Hall operates as one united school. All pupils benefit from shared facilities and a cohesive educational environment. Nestled in a picturesque rural setting just 14 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne, the School boasts panoramic views over the Tyne Valley. Its 55-acre estate of woodland and open space offers the perfect environment for exploration, play, and discovery.
1935 – The school was founded at Mowden Hall, Darlington, by F.H. Marchbank.
1940 – The school was evacuated to Fallbarrow, Windermere.
1945 – The school moved to its present site at Newton in Northumberland at the end of the war.
1962 – Mowden became a charitable trust with a Board of Governors.
1962 – The swimming pool was installed, but being outdoor and unheated, its use was limited to the finer days of June and July.
1968 – The rolling parkland was levelled and drained to create good playing surfaces for sports. Four new cottages were built to house staff and their families.1969-A modern classroom block was built.
1981 – The sports hall was completed.
1982 – In September, a terrible fire swept through the main building, causing major damage, but fortunately no casualties. Rebuilding took place over the year that followed, during which time, lessons took place in temporary buildings and former classrooms made way for dormitories.
1982 – The first girls entered the school and Mowden soon became fully co-educational.
1989 – A purpose-built and highly practical theatre was constructed, which enabled music and drama to flourish as never before. It was opened the actor Robert Hardy.
1992– The Pre-Prep department was opened by Professor David Bellamy and has been a thriving section of the school ever since.
1993– The former stables and out-house were reconstructed to provide modern and spacious teaching facilities for Art, Science, Maths and English.
1996 – Mowdenians in their 7th year started spending a term at the spectacular Chateau de Sauveterre, near Toulouse in south-west France.1998-A nursery school was set up in Arts Cottage, providing a natural transition for young pupils to move into the Reception class of the Pre-Prep next door.
1999 – The swimming pool was enclosed, heated and extensively modernised.
2001 – A new playing field was prepared and laid out to take three hockey and rugby pitches behind the staff houses. A new cricket pavilion was built alongside the cricket pitch established on Park Field.
2004 – Extensive renovations took place at the Chateau de Sauveterre, resulting in a thoroughly up-to-date teaching and living environment in what is still a beautiful 1820s building, containing much of the original furniture and fittings.
2007 – Mowden Hall becomes part of the Cothill Educational Trust (later renamed Prep Schools Trust), ensuring the school’s long-term stability, continuity and success.
2017 – New all-weather pitch installed.
2018 – A three year project came to fruition in November, when we completed the installation of a new peal of 8 bells in our church, St.James’ Church, Newton. Campanology is now one the school activities so children are able to ring the bells for our weekly church services.
2025 – Mowden Hall, as part of Prep Schools Trust, become part of the newly formed Radley Schools Group, ensuring the school’s long-term stability, continuity and success.
