The Old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Hexham. Photo by Northumberland County Council, 1971.

A Charter for a Free Grammar School was issued on the 18th July 1599. The school was probably carried on from about 1608, when the regular accounts begin. No building was originally erected for the accommodation of the master and his scholars and a building at the east end of the church may have been used, since it was commonly known as the 'Old School'.
In 1684, the present school house was erected on Hall Stile Bank, Hexham, and was the only place of education of any importance in Hexham, until 1813, when a subscription school was built. (1)

In 1828 the east window of the church fell out destroying the roof of the old school. [Plate shows a building to the east of the church with the annotation 'Destroyed 1860'.] (2)

NY 93576410. An old print in the Verger's office in the Priory Church of St Andrew, Hexham shows a single storey building attached to the east end of the church. This is evidently the building known as the 'Old School' possibly used as the grammar school from the time of its
foundation until the new building was erected in 1684.
NY 93746405. In Hallgate (not Hall Stile Bank as stated by Hinds) is the two-storeyed, 17th century building at present known as The Old Grammar School. It is in good condition and in use as a residence. See Illustrations Card. (3)

Condition unchanged, not outstanding. (4)

The Old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Bankhead. Grade II* Listed Building (1/111). Documented 1684, with older parts at rear. Main front faces south-east. Tudor-gothic in style. 2 storeys. 5 windows on 1st floor. Rubble with chamfered quoins and rusticated central entrance. Stone slate roof with coped verges and ball topped kneelers. Later ashlar chimneys with moulded capping. Leaded lattice windows with casements. 2 light mullion windows, with trefoil heads on ground floor. 2 buttresses, recently heightened. Doorcase repaired - original bolection doorcase with broken segmental scroll pediment set in later chamfered rustication with a further segment pediment. Half glazed door, lower 2 panels raised and fielded. South-West side - 1 window, 3 light on ground floor. Double pitched roofs joined at gable end by low parapet, partly arcaded, reproduction 2 light mullion window. Rainwaterhead dated 1903. North-East side - 3 light mullion and transom window with moulded trefoil heads. 2 storey 2 window annexe to right. Large reproduction 3 light mullion window. Central door with C17 mouldings. 6 panel door (4 raised and fielded, 2 glazed). Attic light in gable. Further 1 storey extension to right.
The Old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Railings and Archway, Hallbank House and stable block with the Manor House, Hallgate form a group, the stable block between the Grammar School and Hallbank House is of local interest. (5)

Grammar School of 1684. Possible reused 14th century window with trefoil-headed lights at north end. (6)