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Reviewed

Ripon Grammar School

State school · Ripon, HG4 2DG
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-18
  • From £14,730 pa
  • 962 pupils
  • Boarding
Academically selective state school
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A high-achieving school that is not overly pressurised and where learning and life skills opportunities are increasingly valued. Blending tradition, academic rigour and high expectations with innovation, up-to-date technology and opportunities for development, it is no wonder that parents have complete confidence in the school getting the best out of their child. Very community driven too.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
962 ·
Sixth form numbers
320 ·
Offers boarding
Yes ·
Fees
Day free; Boarding £14,730 - £16,933 pa
Local authority
North Yorkshire County Council

Headteacher

Headmaster

Jonathan Webb

Since 2017, Jonathan Webb MA, previously deputy head at Durham School for five years. Educated at Batley Grammar School and has a history degree from Cambridge. Taught history at Pocklington School (where he was director of teaching and learning and

Entrance

Heavily oversubscribed at 11+, with around 450 sitting the entrance test for 120 places. Selection testing, currently a verbal and non-verbal reasoning test, admits the top 28 per cent of the catchment cohort. North Yorkshire Council is the admission

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
June

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 37 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Holy Trinity Church of England Junior School 15 %
Unknown 8 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy 7 %
Bishop Monkton Church of England Primary School 6 %
Fountains Church of England Primary School 6 %
Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School 5 %
Ripon Cathedral Church of England Primary School 5 %
Roecliffe CofE Primary School 4 %
Sharow Church of England Primary School 3 %
Moorside Primary School & Nursery 3 %
Data highlight

Exit

Up to 20 per cent leave post GCSEs. Of the rest, most to Russell Group universities, with a strong Oxbridge record (nine in 2025); ditto for medics (15 in 2025). The most popular destinations are Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, York, Liverpool and

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
83%
LA avg.
67%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

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, 60 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 53 per cent A*/A at A level (82 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 54 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 43 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
91.5%
LA avg.
47.7%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
41.13
LA avg.
35.65
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

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

Exam results are consistently very good, ‘but it’s not push, push, push,’ insisted a parent. ‘I wouldn’t like it if there was too much pressure and there isn’t,’ agreed another. Teaching described as ‘exemplary’ – ‘They are able to bring quite dry

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
54
Number of teachers
17:1
Pupil to teacher ratio
32
Average class sizes (up to GCSE)

Learning support & SEN

Very good SEN support includes provision for visual and hearing impairment alongside a range of needs including ASD. The learning resource manager works with the SENCo on intervention strategies. Paired reading with sixth formers during assembly time

0.3 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
5.7 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

There are some phenomenally talented students when it comes to music. ‘Some of the kids from Hong Kong are extraordinary on the piano,’ we heard. But the music department – which is headed by a newish multi-instrumentalist – isn’t only interested in

Sport

‘One of the reasons we chose the school,’ said a parent (not the only one). Rugby dominates for boys, hockey for girls – school does well in both, including against independent schools, having recently played Ampleforth and Durham School, among

Boarders

‘If you don’t live in catchment, boarding is the only option,’ summed up a parent – one of many who wanted to bag a place no matter what. Not that the pupils need persuading – ‘He absolutely loves it and can’t get back there quick enough; sometimes

87
Total boarders
40
Full time boarders
47
Weekly boarders

Ethos & heritage

The school has a very long history; there has been a grammar school in Ripon since Anglo-Saxon times. Originally housed in the city centre under a foundation granted by Queen Mary in 1555, RGS moved to its present green and pleasant 23-acre site in

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

The pastoral support officer has recently gone full time and the school has appointed a counsellor for three days a week who also supports teachers in relevant techniques. Teams of form tutors ably support heads of schools. Pupils speak of good

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: All smart phones are prohibited but non-smart phones are allowed but must be switched off and out of site. Year 8-13: Smart phones are permitted but these must be switched off and out of sight. Certain exemptions exist for boarders and sixth formers or those with a medical need.

Updated Sep 2025

Pupils & parents

A local school – most day pupils come from Ripon and its outlying villages. Even many of the boarders are from only just outside the catchment area although numbers from further afield are on the rise. Wide range of parental backgrounds and wealth

962
Number of pupils

Money matters

Yorkshire’s only state boarding school, it is free for day pupils. There is a charge for boarding, but this is still about a third the price of independent alternatives.

Fee information
Day free; Boarding £14,730 - £16,933 pa

The last word

A high-achieving school that is not overly pressurised and where learning and life skills opportunities are increasingly valued. Blending tradition, academic rigour and high expectations with innovation, up-to-date technology and opportunities for

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Good

What the school says

Renowned for its academic excellence and sporting reputation, Ripon Grammar School’s top quality, low-cost boarding provides exceptional value for money as the only state boarding school in Yorkshire. Facilities are excellent, including a swimming pool and extensive sports fields and all-weather courts, a world-class 3G sports pitch and modern sports hall with climbing wall. In a beautiful setting in the small cathedral city of Ripon in the Yorkshire Dales, close to Harrogate and York, the atmosphere can only be realised by visiting and is characterised by a sense of purpose, mutual respect and pride in being part of the community.

Contact the school

Address

Clotherholme Road
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 2DG
Get directions

Telephone: 01765 602647

Email: admin@ripongrammar.com

Website: https://www.ripongrammar.co.uk/

Local authority: North Yorkshire County Council

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School data & information Ripon Grammar School Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
962 Pupil numbers
483/479 Pupil numbers boy/girls split
320 Sixth form numbers
87 Total boarders
40 Full time boarders
47 Weekly boarders
4 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
7 % Pupils whose first language is not English
32 Average class sizes (up to GCSE)
17:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
54 Number of teachers
14 Number of teaching assistants

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Year 7: All smart phones are prohibited but non-smart phones are allowed but must be switched off and out of site. Year 8-13: Smart phones are permitted but these must be switched off and out of sight. Certain exemptions exist for boarders and sixth formers or those with a medical need.

Updated Sep 2025
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Ripon Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
91.5%
LA avg.
47.7%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
69.10
LA avg.
46.80
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.72 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 6
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 44 8
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 111 8
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 31 7
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 14 8
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 129 8
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 6 6
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 59 7
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 6
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 67 7
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 46 6
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 128 7
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 129 7
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 35 6
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 31 7
Classical Civilisation GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 6
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 111 8
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 111 7
Astronomy GCSE (9-1) Full Course 13 7
Art & Design GCSE (9-1) Full Course 51 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
31%
LA avg.
21.3%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

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.

Average points score (2024)

School
41.13
LA avg.
35.65
Eng. avg.
34.45

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.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Religious Studies GCE A level 10 B
Psychology GCE A level 44 B
Physics GCE A level 28 A
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 13 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 7 A*
Mathematics GCE A level 64 A
History GCE A level 24 B
Government and Politics GCE A level 8 B
Geography GCE A level 26 A
French GCE A level 7 A
English Literature GCE A level 15 B
Economics GCE A level 22 A
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE A level 11 B
Classical Civilisation GCE A level 9 A
Chemistry GCE A level 65 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 13 B
Biology GCE A level 47 B
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 25 A*
Mathematics (Further) GCE AS level 8 A
Mathematics GCE AS level 10 B

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Ripon Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

RGS is proud to be a genuinely inclusive school, where SEND is never seen as a barrier to future success. Our students with additional needs frequently flourish here, thanks to their own resilience and the strong, consistent support they receive from staff. We have a small but highly skilled and dedicated SEND team, complemented by experienced teachers who are confident in meeting a wide range of needs within the classroom. High-quality, research-informed CPD ensures that our Quality First Teaching remains a real strength of the school, enabling most students’ needs to be met within their everyday lessons. Alongside this strong classroom provision, we offer additional layers of support including homework clubs, sixth form mentors, and lunchtime support sessions. These opportunities help ensure that every student can access a broad and balanced curriculum, while also taking full advantage of the school’s rich extracurricular life. At RGS, inclusion is woven into the culture of the school: students are known as individuals, supported thoughtfully, and encouraged to thrive - both academically and beyond the classroom.

Updated Nov 2025
0.3 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
5.7 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

No information available from the school. Find out more.

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Good
Our data explained
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