The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales in the market town of Leyburn, The Wensleydale School acts as a vital educational hub for a vast, rural catchment area. With a capacity of just under 500 students, it is significantly smaller than the average secondary school, a factor that defines its character as a close knit community where every face is known.
The school has maintained a consistent Good rating from Ofsted for over a decade, with its most recent full inspection in May 2022 confirming this status. This stability is overseen by Julia Polley, who has led the school as Headteacher since January 2016. In October 2025, the school officially rebranded, dropping Sixth Form from its title to focus entirely on the 11 to 16 age range, following a strategic decision to ensure the highest quality of Key Stage 4 outcomes.
The Wensleydale School operates with the warmth of a village school scaled up to secondary level. Because the cohort sizes are relatively small, the transition from primary to secondary is often described as less daunting than in larger urban academies. Students frequently mention the sense of belonging, and staff are noted for their deep understanding of the local community's specific needs.
Physically, the school reflects its functional purpose, with a mix of traditional and modern spaces that have been adapted to support a broad curriculum. The ethos is built on the pillars of "Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility." These are not merely slogans on the Richmond Road gates; they are integrated into a behaviour system that prioritises restorative practice and mutual respect between students and staff.
The most recent Ofsted report highlighted that the school remains a calm and orderly environment. It noted that the small size allows for a family feel where bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it does occur. This supportive culture is particularly evident in how the school manages its rural identity, ensuring that students from isolated hamlets feel as much a part of the community as those living in Leyburn.
In the most recent measurement period, the school's academic performance reflects its inclusive, non selective intake. The Attainment 8 score, which measures achievement across eight key subjects, sits at 41.4. While this is below the England average of 46.2, it is important to view this in the context of the school's specific rural demographics and smaller cohort sizes.
According to FindMySchool proprietary rankings, The Wensleydale School ranks 1st locally among secondary providers in Leyburn. On a broader scale, the school ranks 2,916th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it within the national lower band (bottom 40% of schools in England). However, the Progress 8 score of -0.08 indicates that students generally perform in line with the England average based on their starting points at age 11, showing solid, consistent progress throughout their five years of secondary education.
At GCSE level, 7% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc). This reflects a curriculum that, while offering traditional academic routes, also prioritises vocational and practical pathways that align with the local economy and student interests.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at Wensleydale is characterised by its flexibility. The small class sizes mean that teachers can provide a level of individual attention often missing in larger institutions. The curriculum is broad, particularly in Key Stage 3, where students study a wide range of subjects before narrowing their focus for GCSEs.
A notable feature of the school’s approach is the "Pre Apprenticeship" programme, designed for students who thrive in more practical learning environments. This initiative has gained regional attention for its success in keeping students engaged and preparing them for the local workforce. By partnering with local businesses, the school ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to the rural economy of North Yorkshire.
The school has recently introduced Reading Weeks to help every student discover the joy of reading, reflecting a wider commitment to literacy across the curriculum. Staff are described as passionate about ensuring each student has access to the best opportunities, with many teachers also taking on coaching roles in the school's extensive sports programme.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
Destinations for leavers at Wensleydale reflect the diverse aspirations of its students. Given the school's strong links with local industry, a significant 50% of leavers traditionally enter direct employment or apprenticeships, often in skilled trades or the agricultural and hospitality sectors that dominate the Richmondshire area.
For those pursuing further academic study, the suspension and subsequent closure of the on site sixth form has led to a partnership approach with nearby colleges. Popular destinations for post 16 education include Richmond School and Sixth Form College and Darlington College. The school provides robust support for college applications and apprenticeship interviews, ensuring that no student leaves without a clear plan for their future.
Admissions are coordinated by North Yorkshire Council. Despite being the primary choice for the Leyburn area, the school's capacity means that places are generally available for those within the immediate catchment. However, the school has recently seen significant demand, with 2.71 applications per place, meaning nearly three applications were received for every available place for certain entry routes.
The 2026 entry deadline is 31 October 2025, with National Offer Day on 02 March 2026. Parents interested in checking their proximity to the school should use the FindMySchool Map Search to see how their home location aligns with traditional transport routes.
Applications
217
Total received
Places Offered
80
Subscription Rate
2.7x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is frequently cited as the school's greatest strength. Because the staff to student ratio is favourable, the school is able to identify and support students who may be struggling much earlier than in a larger setting. The House system provides a vertical layer of support, where older students mentor younger ones, encouraging a sense of continuity.
The 2022 Ofsted report confirmed that safeguarding is a strength of the school. Staff are well trained to recognise the specific vulnerabilities that can affect young people in rural areas, such as social isolation or limited access to mental health services. The school has invested in on site emotional support and works closely with North Yorkshire's specialist services to provide a safety net for its students.
Extracurricular life at Wensleydale is deeply rooted in its geography. The school makes excellent use of the surrounding landscape for outdoor education and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is highly popular among students.
The school has a growing reputation for its STEM provision, particularly in engineering. The Wensleydale Racing team, which competes in the Greenpower F24 challenge, allows students to design, build, and race electric cars. This provides a practical application for physics and mathematics, while also teaching teamwork and project management.
Other notable clubs include the Dales Film Club and various musical ensembles that perform at local community events. Sporting life is active, with the school often punching above its weight in local fixtures for rugby, netball, and athletics, benefiting from dedicated coaching from a committed teaching staff.
The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm. Given the rural nature of the catchment, the vast majority of students arrive via school buses coordinated by the local authority. For families seeking wraparound care, the school does not publish details of a formal breakfast or after school club; families are advised to contact the school directly for up to date information on supervised activities.
Transport remains a key logistical element, and the school website provides interactive maps to help parents determine their catchment status. Payments for trips or school meals are managed through ParentPay, as the school operates on a cashless basis.
This is a state funded community school; there are no tuition fees for students aged 11 to 16. Costs for parents are typically limited to school uniforms, optional extracurricular trips, and materials for some practical subjects. The school uses ParentPay for all transactions. Financial support for school meals and transport is managed via North Yorkshire Council for eligible families.
The Wensleydale School is a model of how a small rural secondary can provide a high quality, personalised education. It successfully balances academic requirements with the practical needs of its community. Best suited to families who want their children to be known in a supportive environment and those who appreciate a curriculum that values vocational success as highly as university entry.
Yes, the school is currently rated Good by Ofsted. It is particularly well regarded for its pastoral care and its ability to support students of all abilities in a small, family style environment. It ranks as the top performing secondary school in the immediate Leyburn area.
In the most recent results, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 41.4. While its national ranking of 2,916th puts it in the lower middle tier for England, its Progress 8 score of -0.08 shows that students make progress in line with the national average.
No, Wensleydale School officially closed its Sixth Form in October 2025 to focus resources on the 11 to 16 age range. Students now transition to local colleges such as Richmond or Darlington for post 16 study.
Admissions are managed through North Yorkshire Council. For Year 7 entry, parents must complete the common application form by the 31 October deadline. The school is generally able to accommodate those living within its rural catchment area.
As a rural school, many students are eligible for free school transport provided by North Yorkshire Council. Buses run from various points across the Dales and Richmondshire. Specific routes and eligibility can be checked via the council's admissions portal.
Get in touch with the school directly
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