Ralph Thoresby School
Leeds, LS16 7RX · Leeds · secondary school
Check the area around this school
37th of 45 secondary schools in Leeds we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.0/10 against 582 of them, against 2.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 38.0 · 32 | 30% | 0.98 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.5 · 16 | 25% | 0.40 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.8 · 38 | 10% | 0.38 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ralph Thoresby School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.5 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils go on a ski trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 987 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,037. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific strategies are in place to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the ski trip fit into the broader curriculum and character development?
What Ofsted said about Ralph Thoresby School
Overview
Ralph Thoresby School continues to be a good school, offering an inclusive environment where pupils value diverse enrichment opportunities. The curriculum is carefully considered and meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. While teaching is generally effective, there is variation in how consistently staff check pupil understanding across all subjects.
Strengths
- The school has built a "carefully considered curriculum" that enables pupils to "build knowledge securely over time."
- Pupils behave very well in lessons, responding to "high expectations" set by staff, contributing to a "calm atmosphere."
- Staff use questioning "skilfully to extend pupils’ thinking" in many subjects, helping students link new learning to previous knowledge.
- Early reading difficulties are "swiftly identified" with appropriate phonics and literacy support put in place.
- Leaders support staff well-being effectively, with staff feeling "supported by leaders" and proud to work at the school.
Areas to improve
- The school should take further action to improve pupils’ behaviour during social times, which is "weaker than it is in lessons."
- Leaders should ensure effective strategies are in place to check pupils’ understanding in lessons, as teachers sometimes move on to new content before pupils are ready.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 40.7 |
| 2024/25 | 39.7 |
| 2025/26 | 43.8 |
| 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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