In 1548, when Bradford Grammar School was founded, Henry VIII had just died and the printing press was still a novelty. Nearly five centuries later, the school occupies a striking 1949 building in Frizinghall, maintains its original Latin motto Hoc Age (Do This), and continues to combine heritage with forward-thinking ambition. Home to 1,054 pupils aged four to 18, this co-educational independent school has produced Olympic medallists, a celebrated pop artist, chancellors of the exchequer, and today sends 63% of sixth form leavers to university. The school ranks 188th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10%, and 365th for A-levels in the top 25% (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, five students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, reflecting consistent academic reach. Fees range from £12,600 annually for reception to £17,973 for years 7-13, with meaningful assisted places for families earning below £80,000.
Bradford Grammar School sits as a self-contained campus on the edge of Lister Park, surrounded by Yorkshire moorland. The main building is architecturally distinctive; period features including oak panelling, marble war memorials, and a gilded honours board create a purposeful, scholarly atmosphere. Yet the school is not museum-like. A recent routine ISI inspection in December 2024 noted pupils' excellent behaviour, their respect and inclusivity, and strong subject knowledge among teaching staff. Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster since 2016 with a background in geography and educational leadership, shapes an environment that values both tradition and innovation.
The school's commitment to happiness and wellbeing runs visibly through daily life. Pastoral leaders are teaching staff actively embedded in pupils' daily experiences. Year 7 pupils bond immediately through a residential trip to Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire within the first few days of term, where high ropes, raft-building, and team challenges form new friendships. This early investment pays dividends; older students describe feeling genuinely supported, with peer mentoring and Sixth Form volunteering creating a culture of mutual care. The school's values emphasise excellence alongside emotional development; one pupil noted that "it's not just about academic excellence but ensuring you're happy in what you study and achieve, because that's just as important as passing exams."
At GCSE in 2024, 70% of entries achieved grades 9-7, well above the England average of 54%. The top tier was particularly strong: 51% of all entries secured grades 9-8. This combination of breadth and depth across 1,150 candidates reflects careful curriculum design and expert teaching across all subjects. The school ranks 1st locally among Bradford schools and 188th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier of independent schools.
The sixth form continues this trajectory. In 2024, 67% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, with 17% gaining A* alone. This represents sustained excellence: the school has consistently outperformed England averages (which sit at 47% for A*-B grades). Students consistently select advanced pathways. 31 A-level subjects are offered, ranging from Classical Greek and Russian to History of Art, Theatre Studies, and Further Mathematics. The school ranks 365th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 25%.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
66.89%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
70.33%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is characterised by strong subject expertise and intellectual rigour. The curriculum combines traditional disciplines, languages including Latin from Year 7, separate sciences from Year 9, and classical subjects, with contemporary relevance. A modern 25m swimming pool, specialist science laboratories, art studios, and recording facilities support practical learning across all phases.
The school library operates as a central resource, staffed by specialist librarians who provide reading interventions, spelling support, and dedicated learning strategies for pupils requiring additional scaffolding. The Learning Strategies Department offers tailored one-to-one and small-group interventions, ensuring a broad ability range feels supported without being held back. Independent schools rarely publish detailed value-added data, but the ISI notes that pupils across all starting points make good progress against their prior attainment.
Year 7 pupils study a broad foundation: English, mathematics, science (triple), humanities, languages (including Latin), creative arts, and sport. As they progress, specialisation increases. By Year 10, pupils select GCSE options, and Sixth Form study becomes highly specialised. The school's approach balances academic depth with character development; "exam excellence and sense of fun" coexist, according to external appraisals.
In 2024, 63% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with 11% entering further education, 1% starting apprenticeships, and 11% entering direct employment. Five students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, evidence of the academic calibre, with an additional offer rate of 37% (seven offers from 19 applications to Oxbridge). Beyond Oxbridge, leavers consistently progress to Russell Group universities; Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, and Imperial College feature prominently in destination data.
Two students won medical school places in 2024, reflecting the school's strong science teaching and mentoring in competitive subject pathways. The school's careers programme explicitly guides sixth formers toward competitive applications through mentoring, practice interviews, and specialist coaching in subjects like medicine and law.
From previous years, notable alumni working as medical professionals, engineers, architects, and in research roles maintain close links through the Old Bradfordians network, creating a pipeline of career role models and mentors for current students.
Total Offers
7
Offer Success Rate: 36.8%
Cambridge
3
Offers
Oxford
4
Offers
The co-curricular programme is one of Bradford Grammar's defining strengths. Over 60 clubs and societies operate across the school, supported by dedicated staff and a timetable that explicitly carves out time for participation. Rather than treating activities as peripheral, the school integrates them into its identity as "co-curricular" rather than "extra-curricular," signalling their educational value.
Music is genuinely embedded in school culture. The school operates a music auditorium, recording studio, and specialist classrooms. Ensembles include a chapel choir, symphony orchestra, wind band, and smaller chamber ensembles. All students in Year 7 experience ensemble participation, and many progress to ABRSM examinations. Music scholars receive free instrumental tuition, termly guidance from the Director of Music, and access to performance coaching. In recent years, chapel choir tours have travelled internationally, and annual music recitals draw significant audiences. The school's strong uptake of music at GCSE and A-level (supported by excellent instrumental tuition) signals genuine engagement rather than tokenism.
The purpose-built Hockney Theatre, named in honour of the school's most celebrated visual artist alumnus, features professional-standard sound and lighting equipment. Student-led productions are ambitious; recent performances include adaptations of classic texts and original works directed and written by sixth formers. Year 7 and 8 drama clubs stage formal productions. The theatre also hosts visiting professional companies and serves as a performance space for music and dance recitals, elevating production standards across the school.
Science and technology clubs flourish. A Biomedical Society serves pre-medical students; Micro:bit clubs introduce younger pupils to coding and robotics; a dedicated computing programme sits alongside national competitions. The school houses modern science laboratories with practical equipment for A-level practicals in physics, chemistry, and biology. Latin and classics societies feed intellectual curiosity in the humanities, while philosophy and debate clubs extend critical thinking. The Interact Club, affiliated with Rotary International, focuses on charitable service; in recent years, the club has raised over £4,000 annually for selected charities including WWF, NSPCC, and Bradford Nightstop (supporting homeless young people).
Sport is compulsory in Years 7-9, then optional but well-attended in Years 10-13. Rugby is the main team sport for boys; netball and hockey for girls. The school also offers tennis, cricket, athletics, swimming, squash, badminton, table tennis, and cross-country running. An on-campus sports pavilion, all-weather barn, and floodlit pitches enable year-round fixtures. The school holds the English Schools Fell Running Championship and regularly produces representative athletes at county and national levels. Rowing is affiliated to British Rowing and operates from a dedicated boat club; the alumni boast Olympic medallists and Cambridge Boat Race participants, including Boris Rankov, who won the Boat Race with Oxford.
The tennis academy offers specialist coaching. Annual sports tours, particularly for netball and hockey squads, provide international competition experience. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) operates as an optional programme with RAF affiliation, attracting Year 10 and above. Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs from Bronze (Year 9/10) through to Gold in the Sixth Form, with residential expeditions to the Lake District, Peak District, and further afield.
The school's location near the Yorkshire Dales and within reach of the Lake District enables regular outdoor experiences. Hill-walking, camping, orienteering, and kayaking feature in pastoral programmes and Duke of Edinburgh training. Sixth formers can pursue expeditions to far-flung destinations; recent trips have included international expeditions developing resilience, cultural awareness, and leadership skills. The school emphasises adventure not as daredevil activity but as structured character development.
Beyond the major pillars, the school operates: Debating Society, Classics Society, Philosophy Club, History Society, Art Club, Digital Art Club, Games Club, Handmade Club, Science Club, Chess Club, Craft Club, Coding Clubs, Volunteering Club, and subject-specific enrichment societies. Each year sees rotating activities; pupils are encouraged to participate in at least two different clubs across the week, and lunchtime provision ensures access for all. The school also supports student-led initiatives; the Old Bradfordian network and alumni mentoring scheme formalise connection with former pupils.
Fees data coming soon.
Senior School runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm (Years 7-13). Junior School operates 8:50am to 3:20pm (Reception to Year 6).
After School Care is available at the Junior School from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at £5.75 per hour (or part thereof), with penalty charges of £7 for every 15 minutes after 6:00pm. No after-school supervision is advertised for Senior School; families should contact the school directly for senior student arrangements.
Meals are charged termly in arrears at £4.20 per day (Junior School) or £4.50 per day (Senior School). A weekly menu is published; pupils may bring packed lunches as an alternative.
The school is well-served by public transport. Frizinghall Railway Station (on the Leeds-Skipton line) reopened in 1987 after a 22-year closure partly due to local campaigning by BGS staff and pupils. Regular buses serve the Keighley Road location. For families using private vehicles, on-campus parking is available. Transport to school can be arranged through the school's transport scheme (charged termly in advance).
Fees include books, stationery, and pupil personal accident insurance. A third-child discount of 5% applies to the youngest sibling. School lunches and trips are charged separately. Transport is optional and charged termly in advance.
Five academic scholarships are awarded annually at Year 7 entry to candidates demonstrating exceptional achievement in entrance examinations. These Headmaster's and Charter Scholarships provide 20% fee reduction for the scholarship duration (provided grades are maintained). Music scholarships and sports scholarships also exist, offering specialist support rather than fee remission; music scholars receive free instrumental tuition and expert coaching, while sports scholars access performance workshops on psychology and nutrition.
The school commits substantial resources to widening access. Assisted Places Awards support 6-8 high-achieving students annually whose families have household income below £80,000. Candidates must finish in the top 10% of entrance examinations. Year 12 entry also offers assisted places for candidates achieving minimum six GCSE grade 8s or 9s. The school notes that competition is fierce; many gifted families are unable to receive an award due to demand.
Entry to the school is competitive and by examination. Year 7 candidates sit entrance tests in January, conducted over five days in class-sized groups (not large halls), a deliberate choice to ease anxiety. Assessments include written exams and practical group activities led by the Head of Year 7 and the Headmaster. The school emphasises that whilst exam results matter, they also consider pupils' current headteacher references, potential for growth, and demonstrated love of learning across all activities.
Year 12 (sixth form) entry is based on GCSE results; students must achieve strong grades (typically minimum 7-8 across subjects) and meet subject-specific entry requirements. Internal progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic; sixth form entry is selective.
Open events run throughout the autumn and spring terms. Prospective families are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and visit the campus. The admissions team explicitly welcomes families who cannot attend events to arrange bespoke visits.
The school is unapologetic about prioritising wellbeing. Pastoral leaders are senior teaching staff, not separate support staff, ensuring integration into school life. Year 7 pupils are assigned to a form tutor and pastoral leader who know them well and identify challenges early. The school explicitly teaches emotional literacy and resilience; national campaigns (Hello Yellow, Mental Health Awareness Week) are actively participated in. A trained counsellor is available for pupils needing additional support.
Behaviour policies reference the school's three core values: Excellence, Opportunity, and Happiness. The school operates a clear behaviour code with consistent consequences, though prefectures and houses foster peer leadership. The ISI noted that pupils demonstrate respect, inclusivity, and awareness of different cultures, markers of a genuinely inclusive community rather than mere policy.
The school has won a national award for its "happiness and wellbeing" initiative, signalling institutional commitment beyond compliance.
Entrance pressure is real. The school is highly selective; entrance exams in January are competitive. Families should view entrance as a genuine barrier, not a formality. Open events and mock exams help pupils prepare authentically.
Independent school means variable support for SEND. Whilst the school supports pupils with mild to moderate learning differences through its Learning Strategies Department, SEND support varies across the junior and senior schools. Families with children requiring significant SEN provision should contact the school directly to discuss capacity.
Not all pupils will board or travel easily. As a day school, there is no boarding provision. The campus sits three miles from Bradford city centre; families relying on public transport should verify journey times. The Frizinghall rail link helps, but drive times from beyond the Aire Valley may exceed 45 minutes.
The sixth form is genuinely selective. Not all Year 11 pupils are retained into sixth form. GCSE results must meet threshold grades, and interview assessment confirms academic readiness. External sixth form applicants compete for places on equal footing with internal candidates.
Bradford Grammar School represents a rare combination: genuine academic rigour, exceptional facilities, substantive co-curricular depth, and an uncompromising focus on pupil wellbeing. The school has evolved from a boys' grammar founded in 1548 into a fully co-educational independent school drawing families across Yorkshire and beyond. Results consistently place it in the top 10% in England (FindMySchool data for GCSE; top 25% for A-levels), yet the school's leadership explicitly resists the label "exam factory," insisting that happiness and character development are as important as grades.
For families valuing academic ambition without pressure-cooker culture, strong pastoral structures, and genuine breadth in music, sport, and clubs, Bradford Grammar delivers. The admissions process is selective; securing entry requires competitive exam performance and genuine engagement with school life. For those who gain places, the education on offer is genuinely comprehensive. Strong sixth form results, reliable university progression, and a vibrant alumni network suggest the school prepares students effectively for undergraduate study and beyond.
Best suited to families seeking a traditional grammar school education combined with modern facilities, meaningful diversity initiatives through assisted places, and an environment where academic excellence and happiness are treated as partners, not opposites.
Yes. The school achieved a routine ISI inspection in December 2024 confirming strong teaching, excellent pupil behaviour, and high standards across academic and pastoral areas. GCSE results rank the school 188th (top 10% in England), with 70% of entries achieving grades 9-7. In 2024, five students secured Oxbridge places. The school is consistently rated among the top three independent schools in Yorkshire.
For 2025-2026, fees are £12,600-£14,064 annually for junior school (depending on year group) and £17,973 for senior school and sixth form (Years 7-13). These include books, stationery, and insurance. Lunches are charged separately at £4.20 (junior) or £4.50 (senior) per day. A 5% discount applies to families with three or more children. Families earning below £80,000 may be eligible for assisted places, supporting 6-8 students annually.
Entry is competitive. Year 7 candidates sit entrance examinations in January; the school reports examining around 2,200 boys for 150 places. Year 12 (sixth form) entry is based on GCSE results and interview. Not all Year 11 pupils are retained into sixth form; external and internal applicants compete equally. The school uses entrance exams, teacher references, and assessments to build a complete picture of candidates' potential, not just exam scores.
Over 60 clubs and societies operate, covering music, drama, STEM, languages, debating, service, outdoor pursuits, and sports. Compulsory sports in Years 7-9 include rugby (boys) and netball or hockey (girls). Optional sports include cricket, tennis, athletics, rowing, and cross-country. Music ensembles include chapel choir and symphony orchestra. Duke of Edinburgh runs from Bronze to Gold. Combined Cadet Force offers military training. Outdoor expeditions, including international trips, are available to sixth formers.
The school regularly sends students to Oxford and Cambridge. In 2024, five students secured places from seven offers (37% offer rate) across 19 applications. The school offers sixth form mentoring in competitive subjects and explicitly supports medical, law, and other demanding degree applications. However, the school does not run a separate "Oxbridge stream"; sixth formers compete based on strong A-level results and demonstrated passion for their chosen discipline.
The school has won a national award for happiness and wellbeing initiatives. Pastoral leaders are senior teaching staff, not separate staff. Form tutors know pupils well and identify concerns early. A trained counsellor is available. The school explicitly teaches resilience and emotional literacy, participates in national mental health campaigns, and structures the day to balance academic demands with leisure and social time. Leadership emphasises that "happiness is the key to an individual's success."
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
