Kepier Grammar School

Kepier Grammar School is a Grade II* listed building located on Church Street in Houghton-le-Spring. Originally built in the 16th century, it incorporates elements from the 18th century. The structure is made of limestone and sandstone rubble, with some quoins, and has a concrete tile roof. It is L-shaped, consisting of two storeys with eleven bays and three additional bays set back in the right return.

The west elevation features two sash windows with glazing bars, followed by five bays that include a central projecting gable facing the street. This gable is flanked by modern sashes on the ground floor and casements on the first floor to the left, while to the right there is one modern sash and one horizontal sliding sash beneath the casements. The gable contains a four-panelled double door beneath an oblong fanlight, set in an architrave with an inscription commemorating the founding of the school in 1574, dated 1724. It also has an inserted cusped lancet window with a head-stopped drip mould and two blocked-in square lights on the right return. The five bays are accented by quoins. The next three bays include a five-panelled door in a flat Tuscan doorcase on the left and sash windows, with the gable to the street featuring one sash and an inscription noting repairs and additions made in 1779. The roof is topped with two end brick chimneys and three transverse ridge brick chimneys.

The school was founded by Bernard Gilpin, the rector of Houghton, and John Heath of Kepyer.