South Craven School Review 2026: Popular Community Hub

Situated in Cross Hills, midway between Skipton and Keighley, South Craven School serves a vast catchment area that straddles the North and West Yorkshire border. With over 1,700 students, it is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the region. The sheer scale allows for a breadth of curriculum that smaller schools often struggle to match, particularly in the Sixth Form.

The campus is a mix of eras, from 1960s blocks to the modern "F1" Sixth Form centre. Despite its size, the school works hard to maintain a sense of community. The ethos revolves around "The South Craven Learner", a framework that encourages students to develop resilience, inquiry, and collaboration rather than focusing solely on exam metrics.

Mr Martyn Hill has led the school since 2016. His leadership has maintained stability, with the most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2023 confirming the school remains Good. Inspectors noted that leaders have high expectations and that the school is a calm, orderly environment where students feel safe.

There is a pragmatic, grounded feel to the school. It does not pretend to be a hothouse; instead, it positions itself as a launchpad for diverse futures, whether that means university, higher apprenticeships, or direct employment.

Academic performance at GCSE is solid. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.5, slightly above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.2 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points.

Ranked 2,304th in England and 1st in Keighley for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school's performance reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At Sixth Form, the picture is mixed. The school ranks 1,753rd in England and 1st in Keighley for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While A-level top grades (A*-B) sit at 38.5%, below the England average of 47.2%, the school adds significant value through its vocational and applied general qualifications, which are popular here.

The curriculum is broad. In Year 7 and 8, students follow a mastery curriculum designed to secure key concepts before GCSEs. By Year 9, students begin to specialise, with a wide range of options including Engineering, Photography, and Hospitality alongside traditional EBacc subjects.

Teaching is structured and consistent. The 2023 inspection highlighted that teachers have strong subject knowledge and use assessment effectively to check understanding. Support for students with SEND is a clear priority; the school employs a large team of teaching assistants who work closely with the SENCO to adapt learning.

Destinations data reflects the school's dual focus on academic and vocational success. In 2024, 47% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than some selective schools, the apprenticeship figures are telling: 13% of students secured apprenticeships, significantly higher than national trends.

For those aiming for elite universities, the support is there but relies on student drive. One student secured a place at Oxbridge in 2024. The school has developed strong links with local employers and apprenticeship providers, making it an excellent choice for students aiming for industry placements in engineering, digital media, or business.

Admissions are coordinated by North Yorkshire County Council, though the school draws heavily from the Bradford (Keighley) area. It is consistently oversubscribed. In the last cycle, there were 565 applications for 267 places, a subscription ratio of 2.1 applications per place.

With such high demand, families outside the immediate catchment or feeder school network should be realistic. Places are allocated first to looked-after children, then to those living in the catchment area, followed by siblings.

The school uses a Year group system, with dedicated Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Officers who are non-teaching staff. This ensures someone is always available to deal with issues during the school day.

The "South Craven Learner" programme integrates wellbeing into daily life. Bullying is taken seriously; students report that when it occurs, staff deal with it effectively. The school holds the "Investors in People" award, reflecting its investment in staff and student welfare.

Extracurricular life is active. Sport is a major pillar, with teams competing regionally in rugby, netball, and football. The large sports hall and playing fields see heavy use.

The Performing Arts department is another strength. The annual school production is a fixture in the calendar, involving hundreds of students in cast and crew roles. Music tuition is available for a range of instruments, and the school orchestra performs regularly.

Specific clubs cater to diverse interests, from the STEM Club to the Eco-Committee. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well-established, with many students completing Bronze and Silver awards.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to provide uniform and sports kit, the costs of which are kept under review to ensure affordability. Contributions may be requested for optional trips, music lessons, or specialist materials in technology subjects.

The school operates a standard day from 8:35am to 3:05pm. Transport is a significant operation given the rural catchment; extensive bus services connect the school to Keighley, Skipton, and surrounding villages. Parents should check with the local authority regarding bus pass eligibility, as this varies by distance and residence.

Size and scale. With over 1,700 students, South Craven is large. While pastoral care is strong, quieter students will need to find their niche to avoid feeling lost in the crowd.

Sixth Form performance. While vocational results are strong, A-level academic metrics trail the England average. Students aiming for highly competitive courses (Medicine, Veterinary Science) will need to be self-motivated and utilise the top-end support fully.

Catchment pressure. The school is heavily oversubscribed. Living in Cross Hills or having a sibling at the school is often necessary to secure a place. Families in the outer reaches of the catchment cannot assume entry.

South Craven School is a genuine community comprehensive that serves a diverse intake with care and ambition. It balances solid academic results with exceptional vocational pathways, making it a pragmatic choice for the real world. Best suited to students who want a large, vibrant environment with diverse opportunities, and who may be considering apprenticeships as seriously as university. The main challenge is securing a place.