Beverley High School Review 2026: Outstanding Girls' State School

In the heart of the historic market town of Beverley, where the Minster dominates the skyline, Beverley High School has educated girls since 1908. It stands as a distinct institution in the local landscape: a single-sex state comprehensive in a sea of co-educational academies. The school shares a unique relationship with its brother school, Beverley Grammar, culminating in a well-regarded Joint Sixth Form that offers the best of both single-sex and co-educational worlds.

With an Ofsted rating of Outstanding from November 2021 and a reputation for stability, it serves as a primary choice for families across the East Riding. The site itself reflects its history, blending Edwardian architecture with modern additions, situated just a short walk from the town centre.

The atmosphere at the school gates on Norwood is one of purposeful calm. Students in navy blazers move between the historic main building and the newer specialist blocks with a sense of ownership. The school prides itself on fostering independence, and there is a palpable feeling that this is a space designed specifically for girls to take the lead.

Ms Sharon Japp has led the school since 2014, bringing over a decade of stability to the leadership team. Her approach combines traditional expectations regarding uniform and conduct with a modern understanding of wellbeing. The school operates on four core values: Confidence, Creativity, Caring, and Community. These are not merely slogans but are woven into the reward systems and assembly themes.

The physical environment tells the story of the school's evolution. The original 1908 red-brick building houses the library and administrative heart, while the more recent Art and Design Centre and science laboratories point to ongoing investment. It feels like a school that respects its past without being constrained by it.

Academic performance is solid and consistent. In 2024, the school's Attainment 8 score—a measure of average pupil performance across eight qualifications—was 49.1, sitting above the England average of 45.9.

The Progress 8 score of +0.14 indicates that students make slightly above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers nationally.

In terms of high grades, 22.6% of GCSE entries achieved the top grades of 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A), significantly higher than the typical non-selective school. Rank analysis places Beverley High School 1872nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd locally, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the partnership with Beverley Grammar School bears fruit. The 2024 results show that 45.8% of grades were A*-B. Ranked 1038th in England for A-level outcomes, the Sixth Form performance is robust.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the narrowing seen in some schools. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) retains a wide range of creative and technical subjects, including Art, Textiles, and Food Preparation and Nutrition.

Science is a particular strength, taught in dedicated laboratories with a focus on encouraging girls into STEM careers. The single-sex environment often allows students to engage with subjects like Physics and Computer Science without the gendered pressures sometimes found in mixed settings.

Teaching styles are traditional but effective. Lessons are structured, expectations are clear, and support is available for those who need it. The library is a central hub for independent learning, well-stocked and heavily used.

The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay for the Joint Sixth Form, which operates across both the High School and Grammar School sites. This transition marks a shift to co-education, which many students and parents feel is the perfect preparation for university life.

For the 2024 cohort of leavers (Year 13), 67% progressed to university. Destinations include a healthy number of Russell Group institutions, with popular choices being Leeds, Newcastle, and York. Employment and apprenticeships are also well-supported pathways, with 24% of leavers moving directly into employment and 4% starting apprenticeships.

The Careers advice is robust, with the school holding the Quality in Careers Standard. Students receive guidance from Year 7, ramping up significantly in Year 10 with mock interviews and work experience opportunities.

Admissions are coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The school is popular and consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 212 applications for 149 offers, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.4 applicants per place.

The published admission number (PAN) is typically 150. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with siblings at the school or Beverley Grammar School, and then those living in the catchment area. The final criterion is distance from the school.

Families living in Beverley and the surrounding villages usually secure places, but those from further afield in Hull or outlying areas may find it more competitive depending on the birth rate for that year.

The pastoral system is organised by Year Group rather than Houses, with a Head of Year leading a team of form tutors. This structure allows for age-specific support, particularly during the transition in Year 7 and the exam years of 10 and 11.

Wellbeing is a significant focus. The school employs a dedicated Student Support team who are available throughout the day for non-academic concerns. Issues such as anxiety or friendship difficulties are handled with sensitivity. The single-sex environment creates a supportive sisterhood where older students often mentor younger ones.

Safeguarding is rated highly by inspectors, who noted in the 2021 report that students feel safe and know who to talk to if they have worries.

The extracurricular offer is extensive, particularly in the arts and sports. The Music department is vibrant, with a school choir, orchestra, and wind band performing regularly at the Beverley Minster and local events.

Sport is a major pillar of school life. The PE department runs teams in netball, hockey, football, and rounders. The school regularly competes at county level, and the large playing fields and gymnasium see heavy use.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large numbers of girls completing Bronze and Silver awards. Other clubs range from the Science Club and Coding Club to Debating and Textiles. Trips are a key feature, with recent excursions including ski trips to Europe, geography field trips to the coast, and history tours to the battlefields.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:35pm. The site is located on Norwood, a short walk from Beverley bus station and about 15 minutes from the train station, making it accessible for students commuting from Hull or Driffield.

Uniform is strictly enforced: a navy blazer with the school crest, a specific kilt-style skirt or trousers, and a white blouse. The distinct uniform is worn with pride and makes students easily identifiable in the town.

Lunchtime offers a range of hot and cold options in the canteen, operating a cashless system. Many students also bring packed lunches, eating in designated areas or outside in the expansive grounds during summer.

Single-sex education. This is a girls-only environment until age 16. While many families seek this for the academic focus and lack of distraction, it is a specific choice that does not suit every child.

Joint Sixth Form logistics. Sixth Form students have lessons on both the High School and Grammar School sites. While the walk is short (about 10-15 minutes), it adds a logistical element to the school day that requires time management.

Oversubscription risks. With 1.4 applications per place, admission is not guaranteed for those outside the immediate catchment. Families moving into the area should verify their position relative to the priority criteria.

Traditional ethos. The school maintains traditional values regarding uniform and behaviour. Families seeking a more relaxed or progressive approach might find the structure rigid, though most parents appreciate the high standards.

Beverley High School offers a compelling blend of traditional values and modern ambition. It provides a nurturing, academically sound environment where girls are encouraged to be confident and independent. Best suited to families who value the focus of single-sex education 11-16, followed by a supported transition to co-education in the Sixth Form. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular, high-performing community school.