Private School News

Exciting proposals for the future

After months of deliberation and discussion, the Governors are proposing that Polam Hall would become a Diamond Model School from September 2010. At the same time, the governing body of Hurworth House School were also considering their school’s future direction. Following sensitive joint discussions, the Governors and Head Teachers of both schools now share a vision for the future of independent education in Darlington, based on the introduction of the diamond model. Clear educational principles, strong research and the success of existing diamond schools prove the excellence of this model where girls and boys enjoy the benefits of integration, where appropriate, but retain all of the advantages of being taught separately for the vital 11-16 years.

It is proposed that with effect from 1 September 2010, the Hurworth House Senior School would relocate to the Polam Hall site in order that this model could be delivered effectively from that date. The vision involves Polam Hall School continuing to operate its junior, infant and nursery schools, a girls’ secondary school and mixed sixth form, but Hurworth House School operating separately its own boys’ secondary school on the Polam site. Throughout the summer term and holiday period, work would go ahead so that the Hurworth secondary boys would move in September to a specially adapted and completely refurbished building to be known as Hurworth House Darlington. In a separate decision, the Governors of Hurworth House School have announced the proposed closure of its Junior School and nursery. Hurworth House junior pupils would, of course, be welcomed into Polam Hall Junior School before the boys and girls progress to the separate schools at age 11.

This vision offers many opportunities for investment and growth which would in turn ensure the continued excellence of a Polam Hall education. Polam Hall and Hurworth House already have a long established link and share the core values which would allow our young people to continue to flourish.

CDW Pratt, Chair of Governors
M Green, Head