Sunderland High School is the major independent school in Sunderland, offering co-education for day pupils from 3 to 18. Boys and girls enter the Junior School, Tonstall House, by interview and the Senior School by entrance test. Sixth Form entry is by interview and subject to GCSE qualifications. Several scholarships are offered including a Music scholarship and generous scholarships at Sixth Form level.
Tonstall House, a new purpose-built Junior School has specialist facilities in Music, Art, Computing, Design and Technology and Science. Features of the Junior School curriculum include the Early Language Scheme which allows German to be taught to all pupils from the age of four and IT from the earliest years. Computers are used as a matter of course throughout the curriculum and every classroom has a multi-media PC.
The Senior School has two fully equipped IT rooms as well as computer facilities in the library and careers room. The science laboratories are new and well equipped. In addition to core subjects, GCSEs are offered in three modern languages, Latin, single sciences and CDT.
The Sixth Form has its own Centre, Carlton House, and boys and girls from other schools are considered for entry. The majority of students take up A level courses in the Sixth Form from a wide range of Arts and/or Science subjects. A flexible and innovative General Studies course is offered leading to an A level, further GCSEs, FLAW and/or RSA qualifications. All Sixthformers have the opportunity to continue with a language and IT training. In addition the school has a number of exciting partnership initiatives for sixth form pupils wishing to learn more about industry, banking, finance and commerce.
A large number of extra-curricular activities are available including music and drama. The school is particularly noted for its success in Public Speaking competitions. A Sports Hall and an all-weather pitch have just been opened allowing a wide range of team games and individual sports to be pursued.
