Since our foundation in 1881, our school has taken pride in forming not just men, but great men—individuals shaped by faith, character, and purpose.
Our alumni community is a testament to this mission. Over generations, the boys who walked through our gates have left as men ready to make a difference, and many have gone on to impact the world in remarkable ways.
Carrying Our Values into Every Corner of Society
We boast an impressive and diverse array of alumni who have excelled across countless fields. From classrooms to concert stages, football pitches to film sets, our former pupils have carried the values instilled in them here into every corner of society.
Among them are world-renowned musicians Sting and Neil Tennant, beloved television personality Declan Donnelly, acclaimed actor Joey Batey, and distinguished figures such as Sir Tony Farrell and Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh.
Our legacy also includes authors, actors, teachers, doctors, scientists, business leaders, and athletes—including professional footballers and managers—each embodying in their own way the formation they received here. Perhaps most profoundly, our school has been the starting point for over 300 priests across the Diocese throughout our history, many of whom continue to serve the Church and the wider community with faith and humility.
The impact of our alumni reminds us that a Catholic education is not just about academic achievement—it is about forming men of service, leadership, and conscience. As we continue to form the next generation, we look with pride to those who have gone before, whose lives reflect the enduring spirit and mission of our school.
What do the old boys say?
Meet Our Old Boys
Notable Alumni
- Gordon Summer (Sting), CBE Musician
- Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys), Musician
- Declan Donnelly OBE, TV Presenter
- Kenneth Allott, Poet
- Mark Wright, Artist
- Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh , (First Sea Lord of the Admiralty, Royal Navy)
- John Nichol, RAF Pilot, Author, Broadcaster
- Paul Kennedy CBE, Historian
- Rt Rev Hugh Lindsay, Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle from 1974–92
- Rt Rev Joseph McCormack, Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle from 1937–58
- Rt Rev Joseph Thorman, Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle from 1925–36
- Lawrence McMenemy MBE, Football Coach
- Edwin Kite, Scientist
- Sir Terry Farrell, Architect
- Shaun Custis, Journalist
- George Gandy, Athletics Coach
- Trevor Davison, Professional Rugby Player
- Nicholas Pyle, GB Swimmer