High standards and challenge are the norm here. Whilst some see it as an exam factory, those parents who know say Greenhead is anything but and ‘should be emulated by other colleges’. Students talk about the strong learning culture and want to be a part of the success. There’s a form of osmosis going on here - everyone appreciates how good it is and wants to be part of it.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 2,907 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 2 ·
- Local authority
- Kirklees Council
Headteacher
Principal
Mo Bunter
Since 2024, Mo Bunter, Greenhead’s first female principal. Hailing from the North East, she entered education late, having previously been a marketing manager in a large blue-chip company. Realising money was not her key motivator, she decided to use
Unlock this review instantly
Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
Applicants need three grade 6s at GCSE, including 4s in English and maths. Some additional subject specific criteria (eg 7 to study maths). Over 70 partner schools, with 11 local partner schools who get priority entry for the 1500 places, with
- Open days
- Please check school website
Exit
Nearly 90 per cent to university, over 40 per cent to Russell Group. In 2025, 18 to Oxbridge, with others to Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Durham, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Bristol, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Maths and sciences are popular courses; 63
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 30 per cent A*/A at A level (60 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Has a reputation for being one of the best performing colleges nationally, regularly featuring in the top 10 per cent for outcomes. Hard to beat on that front, say parents. Local perception is of a very academic, sometimes ‘too academic’, environment
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Eighteen per cent on the SEN register; 17 of these students have ‘high needs’ and seven have an EHCP. Mostly cognition and learning, and medical and sensory - both accounting for around 40 per cent. They have ‘never not met a need of an applicant’,
Arts & extracurricular
Art and design classes take place at the top of a purpose-built block, where large windows and Velux provide oodles of light (even in Huddersfield). Plenty of space for some huge canvases with impressive displays. Exhibition work often sells – and we
Sport
The site is hemmed in, with playing fields a 10-minute walk away and other facilities (shared with the community) nearby. On-site, there is a two-court sports hall, a small all-weather pitch, two tennis courts and a gym. Good breadth of sports. The
Ethos & heritage
Bang in the middle of Huddersfield, established on site of 1920s girls’ grammar school. Working hard to shake off the crumbling vestiges of the original build with impressive new blocks and well designed, spacious facilities for most areas, with more
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Thorough pastoral care, with 32 personal (non-teaching) tutors. Students get a tutorial every week, plus regular progress reviews. Wellbeing is strongly promoted, with a counselling service on-site. There’s even a therapy dog, appointments needed!
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
The College recognises that there are many positive factors relating to the use of mobile phones by students, for example, increasing their safety on the journey to and from College and in providing the potential for closer contact with Parents/Carers. The College would encourage the use of mobile phones for such purposes however the use of mobile phones in lessons should only occur when the teacher gives permission, and the use is for educational purposes.
Pupils & parents
We found students confident and articulate – they talk about ‘being the best we can be’ and love to discuss their futures. Half are from socially disadvantaged post codes – the college is fully representative of the diverse local community, with the
Money matters
Forty per cent of students qualify for bursary support.
The last word
High standards and challenge are the norm here. Whilst some see it as an exam factory, those parents who know say Greenhead is anything but and ‘should be emulated by other colleges’. Students talk about the strong learning culture and want to be a