Ryburn Valley High School
Sowerby Bridge, HX6 1DF · Calderdale · secondary school
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5th of 13 secondary schools in Calderdale 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 — 8.5/10 against 893 of them, against 7.3/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 61.8 · 84 | 30% | 2.51 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.21 · 65 | 25% | 1.64 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.1 · 61 | 10% | 0.61 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ryburn Valley High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.21 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Computing, Mock Trial, Code, STEM, Brass, Guitar, LGBTQ+, and Dance clubs. Sports include badminton, volleyball, football, climbing, gymnastics, netball, table tennis, and darts. Arts and music options cover drama, art, film, creative writing, Matilda rehearsals, and Top Vox. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,589 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,500. 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 in maintaining the progress seen in the 2
What Ofsted said about Ryburn Valley High School
Overview
Ryburn Valley High School continues to be a good school, providing a "strong, vibrant and welcoming community" where pupils feel proud. The inspection confirms that leaders have high expectations for behaviour and learning, resulting in a "calm and orderly environment" where students are "attentive and focused."
Strengths
- Pupils are "exceptionally courteous and respectful," with bullying described as "rare."
- The curriculum is "ambitious and inclusive," with plans "carefully sequenced" to close knowledge gaps from the pandemic.
- Teachers use assessment "with precision" to identify misconceptions, helping pupils tackle learning "with confidence."
- Personal, social, health and citizenship education is a "strength of the school," highly valued by pupils.
- Staff report a positive culture where leaders support their "workload and well-being."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should make additional checks on support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to ensure it "fully meets their needs."
- Leaders must strengthen systems to quality assure the effectiveness of off-site alternative provision, as progress for these pupils is currently "unclear."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders taking "swift action" to address problems, including supporting pupils with their mental health.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.7 |
| 2024/25 | 48.7 |
| 2025/26 | 48.1 |
| 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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