
The
College has developed from Northallerton Grammar
School, which has a six-hundred year history,
reflected in its status as a Voluntary Controlled
(non-denominational) institution. The Governing Body
includes five Foundation Governors, commemorating
ancient connections with Durham Cathedral and Durham
University.
In
1973, the two secondary modern schools in
Northallerton merged and became Allertonshire
School: a split-site 11-14 comprehensive school,
catering for Years 7, 8 and 9. The Grammar School
retained its name, but became an upper school,
catering for Year 10 and above. The two institutions
are just under a mile apart. Good-quality
extensions were made at the time to the grammar
school facilities, though playing fields were
reduced by the building on the site of Mill Hill
Primary School. In 2001, well over £1 million was
spent in re-shaping the entrance foyer, offices and
Staff Room, and in creating a new Mathematics Block,
and the overall quality of buildings and
facilities is very high.
In 1994, to reflect the reality of our service to
the whole community, we arranged to be re-named
Northallerton College. In 1998, the College and its
partner school acquired technology college status -
the first joint submission nationally. Funding was
initially used to drive forward the ICT agenda, and
we benefited from extensive networking and hardware
provision. Innovation and development subsequently
have focused on Mathematics, Science and Technology:
improving resources, developing the curriculum,
increasing uptake and raising the quality of
students’ performance. As a result of specialist
school status, other opportunities arose, including
the invitation to take part in an ADAPT programme
with York University, which led to the establishment
of our Learndirect Centre.
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