Ages 
A vibrant, selective grammar school with a big regional reputation. Unashamedly academic but takes all-round education seriously and delivers a wealth of opportunities.
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Overview & data
- Notes
- Co-ed sixth form
- Pupil numbers
- 1,296 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 427 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- Day free; Boarding £15,345 – £16,437 pa
- Local authority
- Lancashire County Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Dr Chris Pyle
Since 2012, Dr Christopher Pyle MA (Cantab) PhD (Cantab) NPQH. Previously deputy head at the Perse School, Cambridge and before that head of geography there (explains his particular interest in glaciers, hydrology and climate change). Briefly a ma
Entrance
Usually around 400 boys apply for the 174 places in year 7 made up of local day pupils, regional day pupils and boarders. Assessments in English, maths and verbal reasoning. Local day pupils given preference; about 40 places go to those further af
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- October
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Up to a quarter leave after GCSE for other schools, colleges or apprentice schemes. Vast majority of sixth formers secure places at top universities, eg Durham, Lancaster, LSE, Loughborough, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, York and Warwick. In 2
% 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 2024, 62 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
Traditional grammar school ethos alive and well here – spirit of healthy competition, aiming high and working hard. The result is that the school is a regular in the list of the county’s top 100 schools and near the top of the regional table at GC
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Very able pupils are a speciality here and LRGS’s learning support staff know how to inspire them to ever greater heights. The school’s SENCo (who has a postgrad diploma in SEN) is also experienced in working with pupils with literacy difficulties
Arts & extracurricular
‘One size does not fit everyone,’ says head. This is a place where there are opportunities for all interests. Around 20 per cent of pupils learn a musical instrument, with ensembles to suit every taste, from blues to philharmonic – and a range of
Sport
Team games are traditional with a full programme of Saturday fixtures. Rugby and cricket taken seriously (giving the independent schools a run for their money) with frequent tours to the UAE, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the ‘Wind
Boarders
Boarding is a rarity in state schools but very much part of the identity, with around 10-12 per cent of years 7 to 9 boarding, increasing to 20 per cent in year 10. Many are first-generation boarders, often from the Lakeland valleys; a third are i
Ethos & heritage
An ancient foundation, founded in 1235 and endowed in 1472. Moved to its current location in 1852 when Queen Victoria donated £100 – the ‘Royal’ of the title – and the school still receives the same amount (sadly not index-linked) annually from th
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
A strong pastoral system for day as well as boarding pupils, managed by staff who are described by parents as ‘dedicated and sensible’ and who ‘have pupils’ needs at heart’. Thriving mentor scheme encourages senior boys and girls to spend time wit
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
Provided by the school and not part of our review Year 7-11 pupils are not allowed to use their mobile phones or digital devices in school – they must be turned off and in your bag. Your teacher may allow you to use your phone in lessons, it’s their decision not yours. Sixth Form pupils can use their devices before 8.45am, and at break and lunch, and whenever they are in one of the Sixth Form Cafés, however your phone will be confiscated if you: a. Use it around school outside permitted times e.g. in between lessons b. Walk around school using it, including with headphones or buds, at any time; c. Use your device in a device free zone (like the Grab & Go or Dining Hall); d. Photograph, film, or record a pupil or member of staff; e. Use your device in a way which causes issues or makes people feel uncomfortable. If we confiscate your phone or device, you get it back the next day.
Pupils & parents
School’s population reflects its small-town environment, with a mix of people from all walks. ‘We have some quirky characters and they are all valued,’ says head. Considered locally as ‘the school on the hill’, although this is not a middle-class
Money matters
- Fee information
- Day free; Boarding £15,345 – £16,437 pa
The last word
A vibrant, selective grammar school with a big regional reputation. Unashamedly academic but takes all-round education seriously and delivers a wealth of opportunities.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
