Ryedale School

Since 2019, Domenica Wilkinson (40s), degree in PE and education from Sheffield Hallam and a master's in educational leadership and management from Buckingham University. She arrived at Ryedale in 2001as head of girls’ PE, then assistant and deputy

Although now part of a multi academy trust Ryedale still uses the local authority to manage admissions. While not over subscribed from its deeply rural catchment, the school’s success means it is regularly over subscribed with out of catchment

A large proportion will move on to York College to do A levels and vocational courses, but plenty look at other schools including Ripon Grammar (mostly as boarders) and others to St Peter’s York and Yarm as well as state schools in the area. One of

In 2023, 32 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 72 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths. In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 52 per cent 9-5 in both English and maths.

The curriculum has a strong academic focus with setting in the core subjects but also a generous time allocation for the arts. Spanish for all students at KS3 and French for most, other than those who benefit from more time to focus on English and

With seven per cent of pupils on the SEN register school figures are lower than both North Yorkshire (11 per cent) and national (13 per cent). However, there’s a strong team of 10 teaching assistants led by the SENCO who also fulfils that role for

Extra-curricular at Ryedale is huge. Head makes it clear to new staff that going the extra mile is an essential part of their job and they all do. We spotted nearly 90 clubs taking place each week. The rural nature of the school and the fact that

Just about all the pupils we spoke to gave the ‘brilliant’ sporting opportunities as one of the reasons they chose to come to Ryedale. Strong teaching, a very good set of fixtures against some prominent sporting schools and the Ryedale can-do spirit

Pastoral system, based around non-teaching pastoral managers and form tutors, takes good care of pupils well being. Parents say, ‘We only have to pick up the phone, they take us seriously and make sure the right things happen at the right time.’

Children and parents love the school, they are full of praise for how well individuals are known and catered for. Parents commented on the ‘very traditional core values, high expectations, and challenge for bright students.’ They were full of praise

A relatively small rural school with a strong traditional curriculum, excellent extra-curricular opportunities and firmly rooted in the values of good behaviour, good citizenship and having a go at everything. This is a school that is getting results