Driffield School and Sixth Form Review 2026: A Community Hub in the Wolds

Serving the market town of Driffield and a sprawling rural catchment across the Yorkshire Wolds, Driffield School and Sixth Form acts as a central educational hub for the region. As part of The Education Alliance (TEAL) since 2017, the school benefits from a partnership that includes South Hunsley School and Hunsley Primary. The large campus on Manorfield Road caters for nearly 1,500 students, yet retains a distinct community feel through its established house system.

With a Sixth Form that consistently performs well and a commitment to broad opportunity, the school positions itself as more than just a local secondary; it is a gateway to university and employment for the Wolds community.

The scale of the site is significant, comprising North and South blocks separated by the busy Manorfield Road. Students navigate the campus using the footbridge that has become a landmark of the school's geography. Despite its size, the atmosphere is grounded and purposeful.

Mrs Vicky Loftus, appointed Headteacher in 2022, leads with a focus on "Ethical Leadership" and high expectations. The school operates under the motto "Believe, Achieve", and this ethos is palpable in the daily life of the school. It is deeply embedded in Driffield life, with generations of the same families often passing through its gates.

The House system comprises four houses: Bronte, Holtby, Johnson, and Mortimer. Named after prominent figures, these houses drive internal competition and offer a sense of belonging. Students wear their house ties with a sense of identity that goes beyond simple uniform compliance, creating smaller social communities within the larger school body.

Academic outcomes at Driffield School present a picture of a school that serves a broad ability range while delivering high-end success, particularly at Sixth Form.

Secondary (GCSE)

In 2024, the school ranked 2,180th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While this places it in the 'National Typical' band, locally it remains the top-performing provider in Driffield (Ranked 1st). The Attainment 8 score of 43.3 sits slightly below the England average of 45.9, reflecting the school's inclusive comprehensive intake.

Progress 8 scores of -0.2 indicate that students make progress broadly in line with expectations, though slightly below the national average from their starting points.

Sixth Form (A-Level)

The picture strengthens significantly at post-16. Ranked 847th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the Sixth Form sits in the top 31% of schools nationally. The published figures suggest high academic standards:

• 56% of grades were A*-B, well above the England average of 47%.
• 29% of grades were A*-A.

These figures indicate that for students who stay on for Sixth Form, the academic trajectory is steep and successful.

The curriculum is designed to be broad rather than narrow, resisting the trend to cut arts and technology. Key Stage 3 covers the full breadth of the National Curriculum, ensuring students have access to Drama, Music, and Design Technology alongside the core EBacc subjects.

Classroom practice is structured around the "Driffield Lesson" principles, ensuring consistency across the large campus. Teachers focus on retrieval practice to cement knowledge, a strategy that supports the strong A-level retention of facts. The connection with The Education Alliance allows for shared expertise; staff frequently collaborate with colleagues from South Hunsley, bringing best practice from across the Trust into Driffield classrooms.

The Sixth Form is a robust launchpad for higher education. In 2024, 53% of leavers progressed to university, with a significant number securing places at Russell Group institutions.

The school's academic ambition is evidenced by its Oxbridge success. In the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge University, continuing a trend of representation at elite institutions.

For those not pursuing university, the school has strong links with local industry. Approximately 28% of leavers moved directly into employment and 2% into apprenticeships in 2024, reflecting the school's dual role in serving both academic ambition and the regional economy.

Admissions are coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. As the only secondary school in the immediate town, Driffield School is the natural choice for local families, but its catchment extends into the surrounding villages of the Wolds.

Year 7 Entry

The school is consistently popular. In the most recent intake, there were 252 applications for the available places, resulting in 232 offers. The subscription proportion of 1.09 suggests steady demand. Parents should apply by the national deadline of 31 October for entry the following September.

Sixth Form Entry

Applications for the Sixth Form are made directly to the school. The priority deadline is typically 31 December, though late applications are considered. Entry requirements generally include 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, with specific subject requirements (often Grade 6) for A-level courses.

The House system is the engine room of pastoral care. Each student is assigned a form tutor within their House, staying with them as they move up the school. This continuity allows staff to spot changes in wellbeing early.

The "Care" aspect of the school's ethos is supported by a dedicated pastoral team. They handle everything from medical needs to emotional support, providing a triage service that ensures students get help without needing to wait for a specific appointment.

Life at Driffield extends well beyond the timetable. The school takes advantage of its extensive grounds to offer a strong sporting programme.

Sport

The ACE (Sports) Centre on site provides excellent facilities. Rugby and hockey are particularly strong pillars, with teams competing regularly in East Riding fixtures.

The Arts

The drama department is active, with school productions utilising the dedicated performance spaces. Music tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, feeding into school bands and choirs.

Trips

The location allows for fieldwork in the Wolds and nearby coast, while international trips; including ski trips and history battlefields tours; remain a staple of the annual calendar.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:20pm. The split-site nature of the campus means movement time is built into the schedule, but students quickly adapt to crossing the footbridge.

Transport is a major operation given the rural catchment. A fleet of buses serves the surrounding villages; families should check eligibility for free transport with East Riding Council, as this depends on distance and catchment status.

Split Site Logistics. The campus is divided by a public road. While the footbridge ensures safety, the sheer size of the site means students walk significant distances daily. It can feel daunting for Year 7s initially.

Mixed Outcomes. There is a notable difference between GCSE and A-level performance bands. While GCSE results are typical for the sector, the Sixth Form performance is distinctively stronger. Families should view the school as a seven-year journey where academic momentum builds.

Rural Connectivity. For families living in the outer villages, reliance on school buses is inevitable. This can impact participation in after-school clubs if late transport is not available.

Driffield School and Sixth Form serves its community with stability and ambition. While GCSE metrics are solid rather than spectacular, the Sixth Form is a genuine strength, offering A-level provision that rivals many independent counterparts. Best suited to students who want a large, busy school environment with a clear pathway to university, and who will thrive in the structured camaraderie of the House system.