Ilkley Grammar School
Ilkley, LS29 8TR · Bradford · secondary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 35 secondary schools in Bradford we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 321 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7/10 among them, against 8.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 58.3 · 79 | 46% | 3.65 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.54 · 85 | 38% | 3.28 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 56.6 · 88 | 15% | 1.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ilkley Grammar School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 56.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.54 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 8.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Tag Rugby, Football, Rounders, and Skiing. The arts programme includes a School Production. Trips include the Belgium Battlefields, Coutances French Exchange, Madrid Spanish Exchange, Naples, Italy, World Challenge, Media Live - Paris, Cranedale Residential, and Iceland.
Getting in
The published school roll is 2,219 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,972. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain progress when their background differs from the national average? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their attainment scores?
What Ofsted said about Ilkley Grammar School
Overview
The report describes Ilkley Grammar School as an "amazing school" where "every pupil gets a chance to shine" and academic success is "very high." It highlights a "rich curriculum" and "exceptional" behaviour, noting that the school provides a "calm environment" where pupils are well-prepared for their next steps in life.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "sophisticated" and "holistic," enabling pupils to build "complex understanding" and engage in "thought-provoking discussions."
- Behaviour is "exceptional," with pupils demonstrating "self-discipline" and showing "respect for each other" in a "calm environment."
- Personal development is extensive, offering "countless opportunities" including sports, clubs, and "extensive trips" that help pupils develop "important life skills."
- The sixth-form provision is a "shining light," with a "comprehensive" curriculum that equips students "very well for their next step in life."
- The school is "fully inclusive," with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and "swift and effective help" for those struggling with reading.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 56.5 |
| 2024/25 | 56.5 |
| 2025/26 | 56.6 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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