An exceptional school with many of the characteristics of a high-achieving selective one, that also says on its homepage that it is 'proud of the 50 plus students who have a special educational need or educational health care plan and who thrive within the school'.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 2,043 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 725 ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Local authority
- North Yorkshire County Council

Headteacher
Headteacher
Siân Dover
Since September 2023, Siân Dover, previously principal of Oasis Academy Lister Park in Bradford. A geography and PE graduate, she was previously part of the leadership team that saw Nidderdale High School ranked within the top 100 schools in the
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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
Heavily oversubscribed. Complicated admissions policy a challenge to get your mind round (but school will help with applications if needed) and known to inspire pre-emptive pew perching: after looked after children and those with a sibling already at
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Exit
Great majority stay on for sixth form, the rest mainly to further education colleges. Very high percentage obtain their choice of university – huge range of higher education institute and subjects. Eighteen to Oxbridge in 2024, and 13 medics,
% 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, 34 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 86 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English; 32 per cent A*/A at A level (59 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.
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
Excellent value added for all ability levels. Majority take separate sciences at GCSE; religious studies (compulsory) very strong and and popular; wide range offered, including joint business studies and economics, fine art and graphic communication,
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ

Learning support & SEN
Outstanding, profoundly committed head of additional needs, who really does try to meet full range of needs and supports parents, too; around 40 learning assistants, good resources. All year 7s screened and information from parents and primary

Arts & extracurricular
Brilliant, wide-ranging music – bands, choirs, orchestras, around 20 ensembles, with input from older students. Annual junior music residential; Evelyn Glennie due to give drumming masterclass; worship band, Aidan's Flame; much individual prowess on

Sport
Despite limited facilities – one Astro (upgrade on wish list), gym and sports hall, supplemented by local external ones – pupils took part in more than 400 sport competitions last year and reached national finals in a wide range of sports, including

Ethos & heritage
Located near the centre of Harrogate in North Yorkshire; opened 1969, pleasant white main building with some spacious modern classrooms and lots of fresh white corridors. Part of a multi-academy trust with a CE primary. Three outstanding Ofsteds;

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Usual form tutor and heads of year structure. Mature behaviour promoted through rewards, relationships, working with parents and example set by older students rather than punishment. Bullying in school not seen as a problem by students; cyber

Pupils & parents
Mostly white middle class – Harrogate has a low percentage of ethnic minority. Polite, open students described as 'very biddable and pleasant' by a teacher, 'The kids have a really good moral compass' (parent); all staff with children send them here,

The last word
An exceptional school with many of the characteristics of a high-achieving selective one, that also says on its homepage that it is 'proud of the 50 plus students who have a special educational need or educational health care plan and who thrive

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 | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Inadequate
Personal development | Good |
---|---|
Quality of education | Good |
Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
Leadership and management | Inadequate |
Sixth form provision | Good |