Ilkley Grammar School

On the edge of Ilkley Moor, where the Wharfe Valley opens into the Yorkshire Dales, sits a school that has educated local children since 1607. Ilkley Grammar School is that rare combination: a state comprehensive achieving results that rival the independent sector, with Oxbridge acceptances reaching double figures and a Progress 8 score placing it among the highest-performing schools in England. The December 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed what local families already knew, rating the school Outstanding in every category.

With nearly 2,000 students aged 11 to 18, this is a large school that manages to feel purposeful rather than impersonal. The founding school of Moorlands Learning Trust, Ilkley Grammar has become a model for what comprehensive education can achieve when ambition meets execution.

Sapientia et Statura Proficiamus (Growing in Wisdom and Stature) runs the school motto, and this dual focus on academic excellence and personal development shapes daily life. The school sits on Cowpasture Road, a campus that has evolved significantly since the current site was purchased in 1881, though the institution's roots stretch back four centuries to when George Marshall's endowment of £100 funded the first schoolmaster, William Lobley.

Carly Purnell leads the school as Headteacher. Her leadership emphasises the school's six Personal Best Values: Respect, Kindness, Responsibility, Courage, Resilience, and Pride. These values are not merely displayed on walls but woven into daily practice. The December 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils enjoy their lessons and behave in ways that enable deep, meaningful classroom learning.

The atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Students move between lessons with a sense of direction, and the behaviour culture supports deep engagement rather than mere compliance. Sixth form students set the tone for the whole school, modelling kindness and teamwork through daily interactions with younger pupils and formal leadership roles. This vertical integration creates a distinctive community feel within a large institution.

The school holds multiple awards reflecting its breadth of achievement: Artsmark Gold, School Games Gold Level, and participation in the Stonewall Secondary School Champions Programme. These recognitions speak to a genuine commitment to the arts, sport, and inclusion rather than a narrow focus on examination results.

GCSE Results

Results at GCSE are strong and consistent. In 2024, 36% of grades achieved were at 9-7, with 22.1% at the highest grades of 9-8. The Attainment 8 score of 56.5 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9, while the EBacc average point score of 4.93 surpasses the England average of 4.08.

Ilkley Grammar School ranks 748th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the England average and comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England. Locally, the school ranks 1st in Ilkley, confirming its position as the leading state secondary in the area.

The Progress 8 score of +0.54 is particularly significant. This value-added measure indicates that students make substantially more progress than similar pupils elsewhere, placing the school among the highest performers in England for pupil progress. This is not a selective school coasting on intake; it is adding genuine value to every cohort.

A-Level Results

At A-level, 65.7% of grades achieved A*-B, with 35.6% at A*-A and 12.6% at A*. The England average for A*-A grades sits at 23.6%, meaning Ilkley Grammar significantly outperforms the benchmark.

The school ranks 487th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the England average and within the top 25% of sixth forms in England. Combined with GCSE performance, the school's overall ranking of 467th in England demonstrates consistent excellence across both key stages.

Locally, the school ranks 1st in Ilkley for A-level results, meaning students seeking the highest-performing sixth form in the area need look no further.

Teachers at Ilkley Grammar are passionate about their subjects and expert at adapting lessons to meet pupils' needs. The inspection found a sophisticated, rich curriculum that ensures all students achieve well.

Teaching strategies are varied and effective. Technology integration, including an iPad programme, supports learning without replacing human expertise. Thought-provoking discussions challenge students to engage deeply with content. Staff check understanding through diverse methods and provide targeted support enabling all learners to succeed.

The curriculum is ambitious. The school specialises in humanities and sciences, and this dual focus creates a balanced education rather than a narrow specialism. Setting arrangements and extension opportunities ensure challenge for the most able, while comprehensive support enables those who need additional help to make strong progress.

The on-site specialist resource provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is fully integrated into the school community. This provision successfully supports the whole school's ambition, demonstrating that inclusion and excellence can coexist.

The academic rigour at Ilkley Grammar translates directly into exceptional university outcomes. In 2025, 73% of students progressed to university, with 48% of university applicants securing places at Russell Group institutions. Eight students achieved places at Oxford or Cambridge, continuing a remarkable trajectory that saw 64 Oxbridge acceptances over the past eight years.

In 2024, a record-breaking 12 students secured Oxbridge places, the second time in the school's history that the figure reached double digits. The school ranks 97th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing a state comprehensive in the same league as prestigious independent schools charging fees of £40,000 or more.

The Oxbridge success reflects careful preparation. With 26 applications generating 12 offers and 9 acceptances, the school achieves a 46.2% offer rate and 75% conversion rate from offer to acceptance. Both Oxford and Cambridge are represented strongly, with 5 acceptances to Cambridge and 4 to Oxford in the measurement period.

Beyond Oxbridge, students secure places on competitive courses including Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science. In 2025, seven students progressed to these demanding programmes. The breadth of destinations is notable: courses range from Accountancy to Wildlife Conservation, including Celtic and Anglo Saxon Studies, Creative Writing, Criminology with Police Studies, Dietetics, Film, Football Business and Finance, Forensic Science, and War Studies. Destinations span Plymouth to Aberdeen and Belfast to Brighton.

An increasing number of students opt for degree apprenticeships at leading employers. Over the past three years, students have secured placements with PwC, Morrisons, Channel 4, Accenture, Rolls Royce, Deloitte, Alvarez and Marsal, EY, HMRC, Forvis Mazars, and Walker Morris. This diversification of pathways reflects both student ambition and effective careers guidance.

The sixth form provision received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, with inspectors noting that sixth form students help set the positive tone for the whole school. Through leadership roles and daily interactions with younger pupils, they model the values the school seeks to instil in everyone.

Entry to the sixth form follows a competitive application process. For September 2026 entry, the Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 12 November 2025, followed by a Taster Day on Thursday 22 January 2026. The application deadline is Tuesday 3 February 2026, with interviews conducted between 11 and 13 February 2026.

Current IGS students are assessed based on predicted grades and Year 11 mock examination results, while external candidates must provide evidence of their predicted GCSE grades. The detailed entry criteria for 2026-27 will be published in October 2025.

The sixth form curriculum offers breadth across academic subjects, with over 25 A-level options. Subject-specific staff guide students toward appropriate courses, and the interview process ensures students are placed on programmes where they can succeed.

The Transition Day on Tuesday 23 June 2026 provides an opportunity for confirmed students to experience sixth form life before the summer break. Results and enrolment take place on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Ilkley Grammar School is popular and oversubscribed. With 885 applications for 305 Year 7 places, approximately 2.9 candidates compete for each place. The subscription proportion of 2.9 and first preference ratio of 1.2 confirm this is among the most sought-after state schools in Yorkshire.

Although the school operates as an academy within Moorlands Learning Trust, admissions to Year 7 are coordinated through Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Applications must be submitted through the council's standard process, not directly to the school.

Priority Areas

The school operates a tiered priority area system. After higher-priority criteria (Looked After Children, Education Health and Care Plans, siblings), places are allocated by geography:

Priority Area 1 receives first consideration for available places. Priority Area 2, which includes parts of Menston, receives consideration once Priority Area 1 places are allocated. The school has consulted on expanding Priority Area 2 to include the High Royds development in Menston, responding to families attending Menston Primary (a feeder school) but falling outside the priority zone.

Several primary schools now sit within the same Moorlands Learning Trust: Ashlands Primary, Burley Oaks Primary, Eastburn Primary, and Menston Primary all joined during 2023/24. While trust membership does not confer automatic priority, it reflects the school's deepening integration with local primary provision.

Open Days

The Year 6-7 Open Day for September 2026 entry takes place on Wednesday 1 October 2025. Morning sessions run from 9:10am to 10:40am and feature student-led tours. The main evening event runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with presentations beginning at 5:15pm.

Prospective families should also request the 2025 Prospectus and view the transition video available on the school's YouTube channel.

The Ofsted inspection highlighted bespoke, individualised pastoral care, with staff who believe every pupil can succeed regardless of background. This commitment to individual students creates a supportive environment within a large institution.

Mental health and wellbeing services are embedded within the school's provision. The i-Leadership programme offers students meaningful responsibilities from Year 7 through Year 13, creating a sense of agency and belonging. The Eco iLeaders programme channels environmental concerns into practical action, including sustainable uniform initiatives.

The integration of specialist resource provision means that students with additional needs learn alongside their peers rather than in isolation. The inspection found this approach successfully supports the whole school's ambition, demonstrating that inclusive practice benefits everyone.

Behaviour is excellent. The calm environment described by inspectors reflects consistent expectations and genuine student buy-in. This is not compliance enforced through surveillance but behaviour that emerges from a culture where students feel valued and purposeful.

The extracurricular programme is extensive, with 96 clubs and activities available in 2024. Fifteen Performing Arts events punctuated the school year, and over 70 students participated in Duke of Edinburgh awards at various levels.

Arts and Performance

The school holds Artsmark Gold, reflecting genuine investment in creative education. Students work with arts organisations and professional artists, gaining experience beyond classroom learning. Musical theatre, creative writing, and Model United Nations offer opportunities for those drawn to performance and debate. The BMDC Ilkley Music Centre provides bands and orchestras of various standards, including wind bands, guitar ensembles, and rock bands for juniors.

Sport

School Games Gold Level recognition confirms strong sporting provision. Rugby, football, netball, hockey, cricket, tennis, athletics, dance, and rounders all have dedicated staff coordinators and regular fixtures. The SPOND app manages scheduling, allowing students and parents to track practices, matches, and last-minute changes.

Ben Rhydding Cricket Club and Ilkley Cricket Club offer junior training with ECB-qualified coaches. Ilkley Town FC provides boys and girls teams across age groups. Ilkley Harriers supports athletics development through sportshall sessions and circuit training. The breadth of local clubs extends the school's provision into evenings and weekends.

Leadership and Enrichment

The i-Leadership programme spans all year groups, offering graduated responsibility from Year 7 to Year 13. The Leadership and Enrichment Fayre showcases opportunities at the start of each year. Challenge and Celebration Week provides focused time for activities beyond the standard curriculum.

International trips include skiing in Pila, Italy, Belgium Battlefields visits, Geography residentials, and World Challenge expeditions. RAF Air Cadets meet locally, offering aviation-focused activities and structured progression.

The school day follows standard secondary hours, with the campus accessible from Cowpasture Road in Ilkley. The LS29 8TR postcode places the school on the edge of town, with Ilkley Moor rising behind.

Transport arrangements vary by catchment area. Families from Menston, Burley, and surrounding villages should check bus routes coordinated through Bradford Council. Parking near the school is limited during peak times.

The school operates term dates aligned with Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Mental health and wellbeing services are available during the school day, and the pastoral team can be contacted through the main office.

Oversubscription is significant. With 2.9 applications per place, securing entry requires living in the priority areas or meeting other criteria. Families outside Priority Area 1 or 2 face considerable uncertainty. The tiered priority system means that even proximity to the school may not guarantee a place if demand exceeds supply in higher-priority zones.

Size may not suit everyone. Nearly 2,000 students create a bustling environment. While the school manages to maintain community feeling, students who prefer smaller settings may find the scale challenging, particularly in Year 7. The pastoral system works hard to ensure no student feels anonymous, but this requires active engagement.

Academic expectations are high. Progress 8 scores reflect strong value-added, but this comes from consistent academic focus. Students seeking a more relaxed approach may find the culture demanding. The school's Oxbridge success creates visible aspiration, which motivates many but may pressure others.

The catchment spans multiple authorities. Although administered through Bradford, the school draws from a wider area. This creates complexity for families near boundaries, and priority area changes (such as the High Royds consultation) may affect future admissions. Families should verify their position annually.

Ilkley Grammar School demonstrates what state education can achieve when leadership, teaching, and community align. Results that rival independent schools, Oxbridge acceptances in double figures, and an Outstanding rating in every Ofsted category make this one of the most successful comprehensives in northern England.

The school suits families who want academic ambition without fees, who value a broad education including arts and sport alongside examination success, and who appreciate a values-driven approach to personal development. The priority catchment areas and significant oversubscription mean that securing a place requires either fortunate geography or meeting specific criteria.

For families within the catchment, this is an exceptional opportunity. The main challenge lies in admission rather than what follows.