Home - Northern House

This school has been graded Outstanding. To read our inspection report click here

A warm welcome to Northern House Academy’s website.

We are a special school for pupils who have been identified as having Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. All our pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) therefore SEND is at the centre of everything that we do at the school.

Our history

Northern House was built in 1824 and has a long history of being an educational establishment for pupils with special and additional needs dating back to 1840. Northern House School officially opened in 1938.

Since 1938 the school has continued to grow in terms of size and rationale. In 1972 there were 43 pupils on roll. This increased to 53 in 1963 and to 88 in 2014. The school was at risk of closure in the late 1970s, but a successful campaign led to the school remaining open.

Although the main house and stable block, built around 1824 and now listed, still provide teaching accommodation, the school has seen a reasonable amount of building over the past decade. In 2004 a new hall and two classrooms were built to increase capacity by one class, and to provide a hall fit for purpose. The demolition of 3 temporary classrooms in 2011 led to the erection and opening of a two-storey block, providing accommodation of five classrooms, a library, a SEND base, a music room and a purpose-built food technology room. This development has provided pupils with a spacious, bespoke learning environment.

On 1st February 2020, Northern House Academy joined The Gallery Trust – a multi-academy trust based in Oxfordshire. The Gallery Trust is dedicated to providing outstanding education and support for young people with SEND. The Trust currently consists of six Oxfordshire special schools: Iffley Academy, Bardwell School, Orion Academy, Mabel Prichard School, Springfield School and Northern House Academy

Our Instagram

New year. New classes. Same NHA energy! 💛

We’ve had a calm, settled and happy start to the school year and that’s exactly what we hoped for 👏

In our first assembly, pupils were welcomed into their Houses as either an Eagle, Otter or Fox 🦅🦦🦊 a big moment that helps build pride, identity and connection right from the start.

During our first term this year we are focusing on Belonging and Togetherness - making sure pupils feel part of our community and their new classes as quickly as possible. From crepes 🥞 and hot chocolates ☕️ to park trips and class contracts, it’s been great to see relationships forming and confidence growing already.

Our staff INSET set the tone too: plenty of laughter during the (very serious) crisp tasting session 😅 and time to revisit our core purpose and values: Happiness, Expectations, Nurture, Consistency, Understanding and Positivity - aka HENCUP.

Our value this term is Happiness 😊 and we’re already seeing it daily. Whether it’s calm starts, friendly welcomes or classes working well together, the foundations are being built for a strong year ahead.

#NHATogether #HENCUP #Happiness #BackToSchool #SEMHPrimary #StartStrong #TheGalleryTrust #NorthernHouseAcademy #BelongingandTogetherness #NHAValues #NHAAdventures

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New year. New classes. Same NHA energy! 💛

We’ve had a calm, settled and happy start to the school year and that’s exactly what we hoped for 👏

In our first assembly, pupils were welcomed into their Houses as either an Eagle, Otter or Fox 🦅🦦🦊 a big moment that helps build pride, identity and connection right from the start.

During our first term this year we are focusing on Belonging and Togetherness - making sure pupils feel part of our community and their new classes as quickly as possible. From crepes 🥞 and hot chocolates ☕️ to park trips and class contracts, it’s been great to see relationships forming and confidence growing already.

Our staff INSET set the tone too: plenty of laughter during the (very serious) crisp tasting session 😅 and time to revisit our core purpose and values: Happiness, Expectations, Nurture, Consistency, Understanding and Positivity - aka HENCUP.

Our value this term is Happiness 😊 and we’re already seeing it daily. Whether it’s calm starts, friendly welcomes or classes working well together, the foundations are being built for a strong year ahead.

#NHATogether #HENCUP #Happiness #BackToSchool #SEMHPrimary #StartStrong #TheGalleryTrust #NorthernHouseAcademy #BelongingandTogetherness #NHAValues #NHAAdventures

Family Fun Day: Positivity in Action 🌈 A Day of Joy, A Year of Growth 💛

Last week, our school came alive with joy, connection, and celebration at our annual Family Fun Day.

Families filled our classrooms, exploring books and learning journeys that showed just how far our pupils have come. Together, we looked back on a year of growth, challenge, and joy - and we couldn’t be prouder. 🌱📚

Outside, the magic continued with @chloesmobilefarm ponies, donkeys, and rabbits bringing smiles to little faces 🐴🐇, the tea cup ride spinning with laughter 🎠, the BBQ bringing us together over good food 🍔 provided by @stedwardsoxford

A huge thank you to @oxfordfacepainter worked tirelessly to transform us into superheroes, butterflies, and everything in between 🎨

We shared annual reports not just as paperwork, but as proof of every small step, every proud moment, every bit of progress that matters.

Above all, the day captured our value of the term: Positivity - the P in HENCUP.

Because positivity isn’t just about smiling on the good days, it’s about showing up, lifting each other, valuing the challenges and celebrating the journey.

Thank you to every family, every staff member, and every child who made today (and this year) unforgettable.

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #HENCUP #Positivity #FamilyFunDay #NorthernHouseAcademy #SEMHPrimary #CelebratingProgress #TogetherWeThrive #GratefulHearts #EndOfYearJoy

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Family Fun Day: Positivity in Action 🌈 A Day of Joy, A Year of Growth 💛

Last week, our school came alive with joy, connection, and celebration at our annual Family Fun Day.

Families filled our classrooms, exploring books and learning journeys that showed just how far our pupils have come. Together, we looked back on a year of growth, challenge, and joy - and we couldn’t be prouder. 🌱📚

Outside, the magic continued with @chloesmobilefarm ponies, donkeys, and rabbits bringing smiles to little faces 🐴🐇, the tea cup ride spinning with laughter 🎠, the BBQ bringing us together over good food 🍔 provided by @stedwardsoxford

A huge thank you to @oxfordfacepainter worked tirelessly to transform us into superheroes, butterflies, and everything in between 🎨

We shared annual reports not just as paperwork, but as proof of every small step, every proud moment, every bit of progress that matters.

Above all, the day captured our value of the term: Positivity - the P in HENCUP.

Because positivity isn’t just about smiling on the good days, it’s about showing up, lifting each other, valuing the challenges and celebrating the journey.

Thank you to every family, every staff member, and every child who made today (and this year) unforgettable.

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #HENCUP #Positivity #FamilyFunDay #NorthernHouseAcademy #SEMHPrimary #CelebratingProgress #TogetherWeThrive #GratefulHearts #EndOfYearJoy

🏅 NHA Sports Day Highlights! 🏅

What a fantastic day we had at Northern House Academy’s Sports Day! Under glorious sunshine, our students gave it their all in a fun-filled afternoon of sport, teamwork, and House pride! 🦅🦦🦊

From a thrilling tug-of-war to our inflatable assault course and a series of exciting, well-paced sports games, students from Eagle, Otter, and Fox Houses competed with amazing spirit and determination. 💪

The atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing across the field as everyone supported one another with incredible sportsmanship and positivity. 👏

And the grand finale? A tug-of-war showdown: students vs. adults - full of laughter and loads of team energy! 🎉

A massive THANK YOU to Mr. Heap for all of the effort he put into the brilliant planning, organising, and running of the event, you did an outstanding job! 👏🏽👏🏽

Thank you also for the continued support of @stedwardsoxford for the beautiful venue and much needed space for us to hold an amazing end of year celebration.

For many of the students who joined us this year, this was their first sports day...but you wouldn`t have known it! Smiles, sunshine, and success = a truly positive, happy and unforgettable day for the whole NHA community! 💛

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #NHASportsDay #TeamNHA #TogetherWeAchieve #NurtureAndPride #HouseTeamSpirit #SEMH #ProudParents #ProudSchool

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🏅 NHA Sports Day Highlights! 🏅

What a fantastic day we had at Northern House Academy’s Sports Day! Under glorious sunshine, our students gave it their all in a fun-filled afternoon of sport, teamwork, and House pride! 🦅🦦🦊

From a thrilling tug-of-war to our inflatable assault course and a series of exciting, well-paced sports games, students from Eagle, Otter, and Fox Houses competed with amazing spirit and determination. 💪

The atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing across the field as everyone supported one another with incredible sportsmanship and positivity. 👏

And the grand finale? A tug-of-war showdown: students vs. adults - full of laughter and loads of team energy! 🎉

A massive THANK YOU to Mr. Heap for all of the effort he put into the brilliant planning, organising, and running of the event, you did an outstanding job! 👏🏽👏🏽

Thank you also for the continued support of @stedwardsoxford for the beautiful venue and much needed space for us to hold an amazing end of year celebration.

For many of the students who joined us this year, this was their first sports day...but you wouldn't have known it! Smiles, sunshine, and success = a truly positive, happy and unforgettable day for the whole NHA community! 💛

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #NHASportsDay #TeamNHA #TogetherWeAchieve #NurtureAndPride #HouseTeamSpirit #SEMH #ProudParents #ProudSchool

🌳🦁 This year’s visit to @cotswoldwildlifepark was extra special - for many of our students, it was their first ever school trip, and their first chance to see animals like giraffes, lemurs, and even a very relaxed iguana basking in the light! 🦒🦎🐒🦓

Thanks to the amazing support of @rotaryinternational @rotarygbi, pupils explored lush gardens, tackled climbing frames with confidence, and cooled off with well-earned ice creams 🍦🌿 The excitement was real - from rhino-spotting to train rides, it was a day full of firsts and lasting memories.

A huge thank you to @rotarygbi for making this adventure possible. For some of our learners, this was their first glimpse of learning beyond the classroom, and it meant the world ❤️

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #SEMH #CotswoldWildlifePark #SchoolTrip #RotaryClub #EducationMatters #CreatingMemories #FirstTrip #ThankYou #NorthernHouseAcademy #IguanaWatch #ClimbingConfidence #IceCreamMoments

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🌳🦁 This year’s visit to @cotswoldwildlifepark was extra special - for many of our students, it was their first ever school trip, and their first chance to see animals like giraffes, lemurs, and even a very relaxed iguana basking in the light! 🦒🦎🐒🦓

Thanks to the amazing support of @rotaryinternational @rotarygbi, pupils explored lush gardens, tackled climbing frames with confidence, and cooled off with well-earned ice creams 🍦🌿 The excitement was real - from rhino-spotting to train rides, it was a day full of firsts and lasting memories.

A huge thank you to @rotarygbi for making this adventure possible. For some of our learners, this was their first glimpse of learning beyond the classroom, and it meant the world ❤️

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #SEMH #CotswoldWildlifePark #SchoolTrip #RotaryClub #EducationMatters #CreatingMemories #FirstTrip #ThankYou #NorthernHouseAcademy #IguanaWatch #ClimbingConfidence #IceCreamMoments

🐾 Day 3 – Zoo Day! 🦁🦜🐊

Yesterday was all about wild encounters and unforgettable moments! Our residential trip students on a brilliant adventure to the zoo, where pupils got up close with some incredible animals. From the power and beauty of tigers, to the vibrant colours of tropical birds, and even the jaw-dropping sight of crocodiles up close!

It was a day filled with curiosity, awe, and plenty of great questions. The children were fascinated by the animals’ habitats, behaviours, and the important work of conservation. As always, they represented NHA brilliantly - respectful, engaged, and full of enthusiasm.

Days like this bring learning to life and create memories that last a lifetime. 🧡

#NHAResidential #ZooDay #LearningOutsideTheClassroom #WildEncounters #NHAAdventures #Day3Highlights #ProudToBeNHA #TheGalleryTrust #SEMH

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🐾 Day 3 – Zoo Day! 🦁🦜🐊

Yesterday was all about wild encounters and unforgettable moments! Our residential trip students on a brilliant adventure to the zoo, where pupils got up close with some incredible animals. From the power and beauty of tigers, to the vibrant colours of tropical birds, and even the jaw-dropping sight of crocodiles up close!

It was a day filled with curiosity, awe, and plenty of great questions. The children were fascinated by the animals’ habitats, behaviours, and the important work of conservation. As always, they represented NHA brilliantly - respectful, engaged, and full of enthusiasm.

Days like this bring learning to life and create memories that last a lifetime. 🧡

#NHAResidential #ZooDay #LearningOutsideTheClassroom #WildEncounters #NHAAdventures #Day3Highlights #ProudToBeNHA #TheGalleryTrust #SEMH

🌲 Center Parcs Adventures – Day 2! 🌲
What a start to our residential! From flying down zip wires and racing down the rapids, to pool matches and plenty of laughs – especially with a few cheeky pranks on Mr Hanley 🙈🎱🌊

Today was all about challenge, fun, and friendship – and we’re only just getting started!

#TeamNHA #CenterParcs2025 #ResidentialReady #BuildingResilience #MrHanleyWatchOut #TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #SEMH

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🌲 Center Parcs Adventures – Day 2! 🌲
What a start to our residential! From flying down zip wires and racing down the rapids, to pool matches and plenty of laughs – especially with a few cheeky pranks on Mr Hanley 🙈🎱🌊

Today was all about challenge, fun, and friendship – and we’re only just getting started!

#TeamNHA #CenterParcs2025 #ResidentialReady #BuildingResilience #MrHanleyWatchOut #TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #SEMH

🎒🚌 Year 6 Residential 2025: And We’re Off! 🌲💚

Yesterday our Year 6s kicked off their Center Parcs adventure, and what a start it’s been!

From proudly receiving their leavers` hoodies and waving goodbye at the school gates, to excited chatter as they boarded the bus, it’s already been a trip to remember. 🧳✨

Once settled in their lodges, they got stuck into preparing their first dinner 🌭🍽️ Their evening ended with lodge exploring, fish spotting by the water, and lots of laughter with friends. 🐟🪵

This is the first of many updates this week, capturing moments of joy, independence, and lifelong memories in the making.

Stay tuned! 💫

#NHAResidential #CenterParcs2025 #Year6Adventures #GrowingTogether #ProudToBeNHA #NHAAdventures #TheGalleryTrust

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🎒🚌 Year 6 Residential 2025: And We’re Off! 🌲💚

Yesterday our Year 6s kicked off their Center Parcs adventure, and what a start it’s been!

From proudly receiving their leavers' hoodies and waving goodbye at the school gates, to excited chatter as they boarded the bus, it’s already been a trip to remember. 🧳✨

Once settled in their lodges, they got stuck into preparing their first dinner 🌭🍽️ Their evening ended with lodge exploring, fish spotting by the water, and lots of laughter with friends. 🐟🪵

This is the first of many updates this week, capturing moments of joy, independence, and lifelong memories in the making.

Stay tuned! 💫

#NHAResidential #CenterParcs2025 #Year6Adventures #GrowingTogether #ProudToBeNHA #NHAAdventures #TheGalleryTrust

💜 A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF 💜

Wellbeing Week gave us a chance to show appreciation to our staff, but the truth is, no week could ever sum up the value of our team.

Our staff are the heartbeat of Northern House Academy.

They show up with consistency and care, bringing structure, humour, and compassion to every moment. They manage complexity with calm, and they create a sense of safety and belonging that enables our pupils to thrive.

It’s not about going above and beyond, it’s about the integrity they bring to the everyday.

We’re proud of the professionalism they model, the relationships they build, and the culture they shape.

We noticed last week - and we notice every week.

Thank you, Team NHA. You make the difference.

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #TeamNHA #StaffAppreciation #NHAValues #CultureByDesign #YouMakeTheDifference #Foodfeedsthesoul

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💜 A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF 💜

Wellbeing Week gave us a chance to show appreciation to our staff, but the truth is, no week could ever sum up the value of our team.

Our staff are the heartbeat of Northern House Academy.

They show up with consistency and care, bringing structure, humour, and compassion to every moment. They manage complexity with calm, and they create a sense of safety and belonging that enables our pupils to thrive.

It’s not about going above and beyond, it’s about the integrity they bring to the everyday.

We’re proud of the professionalism they model, the relationships they build, and the culture they shape.

We noticed last week - and we notice every week.

Thank you, Team NHA. You make the difference.

#TheGalleryTrust #NHAAdventures #TeamNHA #StaffAppreciation #NHAValues #CultureByDesign #YouMakeTheDifference #Foodfeedsthesoul

🎉 NEW ROLE ALERT: Playground Monitors! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

We’ve got new leaders on the block—our Playground Monitors are officially on duty! 🚨🍎

✨ 30 out of 90 pupils threw their hats in the ring… and after applications, scenario tasks, interviews (and a lot of lanyard envy), 13 superstar pupils were appointed!

💌 Every applicant got a personalised letter - because feedback matters, and resilience starts young 💪❤️

📋 Applications? ✅
🧠 Real-life scenario solving? ✅
🎤 Interview practice? ✅
🧑‍🏫 Staff references? ✅
🛠️ Skills for life? ABSOLUTELY.

Our new recruits are now rocking high-vis vests, checking the lunch rota, radioing staff and doing zone sweeps like total pros.... and they are fully taking on the role, as you can see in the videos! 🎬👀

This isn’t just a role, it’s pupil leadership in action, with a side of teamwork, confidence, and lunchtime fun. 🌈

👏 Shoutout to the staff for modelling all things professional and kind—and to our pupils for stepping up and showing what NHA leadership is all about!

#NHAAdventures #SEMH #PlaygroundBosses #PupilPower #LunchtimeLegends #HighVisHeroes #NHALeaders #ConfidenceClub

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🎉 NEW ROLE ALERT: Playground Monitors! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

We’ve got new leaders on the block—our Playground Monitors are officially on duty! 🚨🍎

✨ 30 out of 90 pupils threw their hats in the ring… and after applications, scenario tasks, interviews (and a lot of lanyard envy), 13 superstar pupils were appointed!

💌 Every applicant got a personalised letter - because feedback matters, and resilience starts young 💪❤️

📋 Applications? ✅
🧠 Real-life scenario solving? ✅
🎤 Interview practice? ✅
🧑‍🏫 Staff references? ✅
🛠️ Skills for life? ABSOLUTELY.

Our new recruits are now rocking high-vis vests, checking the lunch rota, radioing staff and doing zone sweeps like total pros.... and they are fully taking on the role, as you can see in the videos! 🎬👀

This isn’t just a role, it’s pupil leadership in action, with a side of teamwork, confidence, and lunchtime fun. 🌈

👏 Shoutout to the staff for modelling all things professional and kind—and to our pupils for stepping up and showing what NHA leadership is all about!

#NHAAdventures #SEMH #PlaygroundBosses #PupilPower #LunchtimeLegends #HighVisHeroes #NHALeaders #ConfidenceClub

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