A Different Kind of Independent Primary School
Liberty School is a small, independent fee-paying primary school in Newcastle upon Tyne, welcoming children from Reception to Year 6. We combine ambitious teaching with practical experiences, creativity and the freedom to learn differently.
Discover our Founding Families offer, including £1,000* credit towards your child’s first year and no registration fee.
*Terms apply
Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we shine.
The Pillars That Shape Every Child’s Journey
At Liberty School, our 4 pillars guide how children learn, grow and take their place within the world. They shape our curriculum, our school culture and the experiences we create, helping every child become confident, curious, creative and ready for the future.
Explore
Children are encouraged to discover the world around them through play, practical experiences and real life learning. Exploration helps them build confidence, make connections and develop a genuine love of learning.
Enquire
We encourage children to ask questions, investigate ideas and think deeply. Through enquiry, pupils learn how to solve problems, challenge assumptions and become independent thinkers.
Contribute
Every child is encouraged to play an active part in their school and wider community. Contribution builds responsibility, empathy and a strong sense of belonging.
Create
Children are given the freedom to imagine, design and bring ideas to life. Creativity supports self expression, innovation and the confidence to approach challenges in different ways.
Welcome to Liberty School.
A Welcome from Philippa
I’m Philippa, founder of Liberty School and Toucan Education.
Throughout my years working with children and families, I’ve seen just how much children can achieve when they’re given the confidence, encouragement and freedom to discover what they’re capable of.
I’ve also seen how easily the joy of learning can be lost when education becomes too focused on expectations, assessments and fitting everyone into the same mould.
That’s why I started Liberty School.
I wanted to create a school where childhood is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged and learning feels exciting. Somewhere children can be themselves, develop their own interests and discover a world of possibilities, while receiving an ambitious and meaningful education.
At Liberty, we believe that a great education is about much more than what happens in the classroom. Of course, academic learning matters enormously, but so do the experiences, relationships and opportunities that help shape the people our children will become.
We want our children to ask questions, challenge ideas, solve problems and think for themselves. We want them to understand the world around them, develop practical life skills and grow into confident, thoughtful young people who are comfortable expressing their opinions and listening to others.
Wellbeing, healthy living and a sense of belonging are equally important. As a smaller school, we have the opportunity to really get to know our children, celebrate their individual strengths and build the kind of relationships that help them feel secure, valued and ready to learn.
We’re not trying to recreate a traditional independent school on a smaller scale. We want to offer something genuinely different.
A school where academic ambition sits comfortably alongside creativity, play and real-world experiences. Where children are encouraged to explore, take chances, make mistakes and discover what interests and inspires them.
Above all, I want Liberty to be a place where children are happy to come to school each morning, where families feel part of a community and where learning opens doors rather than setting limits.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’re creating, and I’d love you to come and see Liberty for yourself.
Philippa Vince
(B Ed hons, AD dip SEND AD dip Dyslexia AMBDA)
Founder & Executive Head
Liberty School
A Welcome from Catherine
I’m Catherine Thompson, and I’m delighted to be Headteacher of Liberty School.
Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. You want to know they’ll be happy, feel safe, make friends and receive an education that gives them every opportunity to succeed. As a parent, you should also feel confident that the people looking after your child genuinely know and care about them.
That’s the kind of school we’re creating at Liberty.
For me, everything begins with relationships. I want to know our children properly: what excites them, what makes them laugh, what they’re proud of and where they might need a little encouragement. When children feel understood, valued and comfortable being themselves, they’re in a wonderful position to learn and grow.
Being a smaller school gives us the opportunity to build those relationships and create a real sense of belonging. It’s something I believe makes an enormous difference, not just to children’s happiness, but to their confidence, independence and willingness to try new things.
We’re ambitious for our children, both academically and personally. Alongside strong teaching in the classroom, we want them to experience the world around them, explore their interests, think independently and develop skills that will stay with them long after they leave primary school.
That might mean learning outdoors, getting involved in creative projects, exploring our local community or tackling practical challenges together. What matters is that learning has meaning, children are actively involved and they understand that making mistakes is part of discovering what they’re capable of.
I also believe that the best education happens when schools and families work together.
We want parents to feel welcome, involved and comfortable talking to us. Whether it’s celebrating a child’s achievements, sharing a concern or simply catching up about their day, those everyday conversations help us build the trust and understanding that make a school community strong.
Most of all, I want Liberty to be somewhere children look forward to coming each morning. A place filled with curiosity, friendship, laughter and the excitement of learning something new.
If you’re considering Liberty for your child, I’d love to welcome you, show you around and give you a sense of what we’re creating here.
I look forward to meeting you.
Warmest wishes,
Catherine Thompson
(B.Ed, AMBDA, APC, NPQH)
Headteacher
Liberty School
CHOOSE US
Key Principles:
Holistic Development
We support every aspect of a child’s development, including their academic progress, emotional wellbeing, physical growth, social skills and personal confidence.
Inclusivity
Every child is welcomed, valued and supported to take part fully in school life, with their individual needs and strengths recognised.
Affirming Learning Styles
We recognise that children learn in different ways and adapt teaching so that every pupil can access learning, build confidence and make progress.
Nurturing Environment
We create a safe, calm and supportive environment where children feel known, understood and ready to learn.
Ambition and Confidence
We combine high expectations with the right support, helping children believe in themselves and aim high.
Independence and Motivation
Children are encouraged to make choices, take responsibility and develop the motivation to lead their own learning.
Resilience and Problem Solving
We help children approach challenges with confidence, learn from mistakes and find creative ways forward.
Creativity and Innovation
Children are given the freedom to imagine, experiment and turn their ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Freedom to Learn a Different Way
Our Promise
At Liberty School, we believe that education should be as unique as the children we teach. Our ethos — Freedom to Learn a Different Way — guides everything we do. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every learner by providing a rich, inclusive, and empowering educational journey.
At Liberty School, we are proud to offer a different path — one that honours individuality, values creativity, and celebrates every child’s journey.
This is our promise to you and your child.
Our Vision
At Liberty School our curriculum is designed to be holistic, inclusive, and affirming to all learning styles, ensuring that each student, regardless of background, ability, or need, thrives in a nurturing and supportive environment. We are committed to fostering an educational experience that celebrates neurodiversity and provides every child with the opportunity to develop their individual talents and ambitions. Our curriculum is innovative, engaging and ambitious supporting children to lead their own learning while carefully covering a progression of skills- building on prior knowledge each academic term and year.
Our approach emphasises the development of confidence, self-worth, and social responsibility, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with both their learning and their communities. We believe in nurturing children’s ability to think critically and independently, empowering them to become motivated, resilient, and capable of solving complex problems with creativity.
