1948 when the Jesuits left and handed running of the school over to the Christian Brothers of Ireland. It was renamed as St Aidan's RC Grammar School and remained a grammar school until 1973, when a new school block and gymnasium building was completed on the opposite side of Ashbrooke Road and linked to the old school site by a tunnel. At this date the school was reclassified as a comprehensive school, although the last 'grammar school' pupils took their O-levels in 1975. St Aidan's retained the Briery building for use by the sixth form. Ashbrooke House was used as a retreat by the Brothers for many years, but was sold off in the 1970s and demolished to make way for flats. In April 2013, St Aidan's Catholic School was converted to an academy and renamed St Aidan's Catholic Academy. Houses and uniform St Aidan's has forms into which each year is divided. The forms, which form houses are: Aquin and Bede making Ashbrook House, Corby and Fisher making Corby House and More, David and Rice making Brookfield House. The school is split into two main buildings: the main school, which caters mainly for boys up to Year 11, and the Briery, which housed the Sixth Form until the Sixth Form joined with sister school St Anthony's under one umbrella. Controversy In 2016, an ex-pupil of St Aidan's school was paid £17,000 compensation by the Congregation of Christian Brothers after claiming two members of the Christian Brothers abused him at school in the 1960s. Other ex-pupils have come forward and made similar claims. Notable former pupils/teachers Frank Cook MP - Politician Tom Coyne – Broadcaster Kevin Dillon – former Portsmouth, Newcastle United, and Birmingham City footballer. Dennis Donnini VC – recipient of the Victoria Cross Mike Elliott – actor Lee Howey - former Premier League footballer for Sunderland Steve Howey - former Premier League footballer for Newcastle United and an England international References Congregation of Christian Brothers secondary schools Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Boys' schools in Tyne and Wear Secondary schools in the City of Sunderland Academies in the City of Sunderland 1928 establishments in England Sunderland