Ripon Grammar School
Ripon, HG4 2DG · North Yorkshire · Grammar school
Check the area around this school
5th of 41 secondary schools in North Yorkshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 179 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9/10 among them, against 9.5/10 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 | 92.2 · 96 | 30% | 2.90 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.72 · 91 | 25% | 2.29 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 69.9 · 97 | 10% | 0.97 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ripon Grammar School overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. In 2024/25, 93.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 70.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.72 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.0 out of 10 among them, against 9.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Junior drama club, Jazz Group, Big Band, and Orchestra. Sports include swimming, rugby, hockey, and netball. Trips range from DofE expeditions in the Dales and Lake District to skiing in Italy and a geography trip to Iceland. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 957 pupils against a stated capacity of 975. 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 attainment is high but their relative progress is lower than the national average? What specific support is available for pupils joining in the current entry year?
What Ofsted said about Ripon Grammar School
Overview
Ripon Grammar School is described as a place where "leaders, staff, pupils and parents are proud" of its history and achievements. The report highlights that pupils "achieve very highly" in examinations and benefit from a "broad range of provision" including clubs and societies. While the overall picture is positive, with "very strong relationships" and high academic standards, the inspection identifies specific inconsistencies in teaching strategies and behaviour management that require attention.
Strengths
- Teachers "teach challenging content with skill," enabling pupils to "think deeply and with accuracy" about complex subject matter.
- The sixth form offers an "ambitious curriculum" that encourages students to "aim high" through additional courses and careers support.
- Pupils’ behaviour is "for the most part very good," reflecting "very strong relationships" and a sense of safety where bullying is "not an issue."
- Personal development is supported by a "broad and varied" curriculum, including extensive sporting, musical, and leadership opportunities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure that "appropriate teaching strategies to support pupils with SEND are consistently implemented" across all lessons, as current application varies.
- Leaders should ensure all staff "always speak appropriately to all pupils," addressing instances where a minority of staff do not speak "encouragingly and kindly," which affects pupil confidence.
- The behaviour policy must be applied consistently, particularly in classrooms led by substitute teachers, to ensure behaviour meets "leaders’ high expectations" everywhere.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with clear systems for logging concerns and timely action taken in liaison with external agencies.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 69.1 |
| 2024/25 | 70.9 |
| 2025/26 | 69.9 |
| 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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