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.Β
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.Β
On 1st February 2020, Northern House Academy joined The Gallery Trust β a multi-academy trust based in Oxfordshire.Β 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: Β Iffley Academy, Bardwell School, Orion Academy, Mabel Prichard School, Springfield School and Northern House Academy