In 1809, the Duchess of Northumberland, Julia opened a small private school for twenty girls, in one of her husband's houses in Walkergate, Alnwick.

Because of the achievements the school was able to apply for a Second Specialism of Music and English College as well as continuing to offer Technology.

[2][3] Again the land for the Ńew Build was long-leased on a pepper-corn rent, by the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, maintaining their two century old connection with the school.

[4] The Duchess's Community High School offers GCSEs and BTEC qualifications as programmes of study for pupils,[5] while students in the sixth form have the option to study from a range of A-levels and further BTECs.

Students are guided onto different academic routes and will choose an EBacc subject from History, Geography, French and Spanish, then three courses from a list that includes: The GCSE subjects, French, Spanish, Art, Photography, Geography, History, PE, RE, Computer Science, Film Studies, Drama, Music, Or BTEC Level 1 subjects, Business, Health & Social Care, IT, Engineering, Child Development & Care, Public Services, Hair & Beauty, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Materials Technology and Fashion & Textiles.

[5] Many students continue into The Duchess’s Community High School Sixth Form.