Ages 
A high performing school in the upper echelons of school league tables nationally with STEM subjects at the forefront. An excellent co-curricular programme and international links provide girls with wonderful opportunities out of the classroom. Whilst growing numbers are putting more pressure on the compact site and on some tired accommodation and facilities, innovative teaching and learning and focus on improved well-being should ensure these misses will explode the myths about women being able to reach the top of their professions.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 855 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 257 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- North Yorkshire County Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Martha Featherstone
Since 2022. Martha Featherstone, an experienced senior leader and teacher educator. She has worked in a range of secondary contexts, including inner-city Bradford. Over the years she has taken on various leadership roles ranging from advanced skills
Entrance
There is a designated priority area for admissions though about a quarter of intake are from outside this area. Sixty-three feeder primaries in Skipton, rural North Yorkshire and south as far as Keighley; an increasing intake from this area. As an
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- See website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 20 per cent leave post-GCSE, often to specialise in sport or art at FE colleges or to take up music scholarships at local independents. At 18, almost all to university, apprenticeships or structured gap year. Most popular subjects include
% 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 2023, 53 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (68 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 64 per cent 9-7 at GCSE: 38 per cent A*/A at A level (73 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % 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.
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
Classes sizes vary, usually 15-20 – popular mathematics up to 25, considered detrimental by some pupils. Mathematics, sciences, English literature, humanities, psychology, applied business all popular; options include DT design engineering; PE taken
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Assistant head leads inclusion, equality and diversity and the much lauded (rightly so) and dedicated student progress team. Whilst numbers are relatively small, she and the team are confident that they can handle full range of special educational
Arts & extracurricular
Music flourishes - eight per cent taught instruments in school, more out of school, up to diploma standard. Various ensembles for voice and instruments; junior, senior and chamber choirs; string, wind and ukelele groups, orchestra and jazz band, two
Sport
The school’s restricted campus means that most sports take place off site at a nearby sports centre, excellent facilities albeit a short bus ride away. In a lesson the girls fit in two changes of clothes, two bus journeys and some sporting activity.
Ethos & heritage
Opened in 1886 as a girls’ endowed school on the same site, offering boarding and ‘an education equal to the boys’ grammar school’. Since 2011 a founding member of the Northern Star Multi-Academy Trust with three co-educational Harrogate schools:
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Vertical tutor group system throughout school, each with about 24 pupils - three or so from each of years 7-11, plus a similar number from years 12-13, who mentor younger girls and enable tutors to concentrate on individuals. Tutor groups meet for 30
Pupils & parents
Pupils come from a range of backgrounds and cultures and those we met all spoke of the ease with which they had settled into school and made friendships. Parents are happy with the two-way e-communication with staff and feel well informed on their
The last word
A high performing school in the upper echelons of school league tables nationally with STEM subjects at the forefront. An excellent co-curricular programme and international links provide girls with wonderful opportunities out of the classroom.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
