Yarm School - Introduction

Yarm School was founded in 1978 when a group of parents formed the Cleveland Independent School Trust and acquired the buildings and grounds of the old Yarm Grammar School site. The School quickly established itself and its numbers grew. This early success brought rapid development and, before long, the School had outgrown its accommodation.

In September 1980 the School acquired and moved into The Friarage, which is today the focus of the Senior School site. New facilities were added in quick succession: a Humanities block in 1988 and in 1992 a Sports Hall and squash court, a Theatre and the Modern Languages block. The Science and Technology Centre was completed in 1996 and the Music School in 1997.


History and background Yarm School was founded in 1978 when a group of parents formed the Cleveland Independent School Trust and acquired the buildings and grounds of the old Yarm Grammar School site. The School quickly established itself and its numbers grew. This early success brought rapid development and, before long, the School had outgrown its accommodation. In September 1980 the School acquired and moved into The Friarage, which is today the focus of the Senior School site. New facilities were added in quick succession: a Humanities block in 1988 and in 1992 a Sports Hall and squash court, a Theatre and the Modern Languages block. The Science and Technology Centre was completed in 1996 and the Music School in 1997.
	A new Sixth Form Library and Careers Department were created in 2000 and in 2001 the Sixth Form Centre was completely refurbished. An Astroturf all-weather pitch was laid in 2002. By September 1996 the whole of the Senior School was accommodated at The Friarage giving the Preparatory School, which was opened in 1991, and its Early School exclusive use of the old Grammar School site. The Senior School now has over 550 pupils, with approximately 160 of these in the Sixth Form. There are some 60 teachers in the Senior School and a further 22 in the Preparatory School which accommodates 320 pupils. In total 140 people are employed by the School.
Developing skills and abilities Each pupil is strongly encouraged to take part in at least one extra-curricular activity. There is a very diverse range of clubs and societies which meet either at lunch-time or after school on a regular basis. We believe strongly that every pupil should develop hobbies and interests; not only are they a source of much happiness at School, but they also develop skills and interests which will stay with the pupil for many years.
	There is a thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme through which large numbers of pupils acquire self-reliance and learn the worth of service to the community. There is also a voluntary and highly successful CCF contingent. At weekends and during the holidays there are frequent trips and expeditions, many of them adventurous in character.