Richmond School & Sixth Form College Review 2026: A Historic School Embracing the Future

When Queen Elizabeth I granted Richmond School its charter in 1568, she was ratifying an institution already ancient. Nearly seven centuries separate that royal seal from today; the school building reflects this sweep of history, its Victorian architecture grounding the market town of Richmond while its modern sports facilities and refurbished classrooms position students for contemporary futures. With 1,325 students across years 7–13, Richmond serves a catchment spanning north-west Yorkshire's sprawling rural landscape, from Swaledale to Catterick, drawing families across approximately 350 square miles. The comprehensive intake means ability ranges widely, yet the school's strength lies in academic rigour combined with visible community integration; local sports clubs train here after hours, the floodlit Dave Clark Arena hosts junior leagues weekly, and the Georgian Theatre is a genuine cultural venue. Ofsted rated Richmond Good in January 2022, commending leadership and behaviour. The school's solid foundation of results and consistent local reputation make it a natural choice for families in its wide catchment who want traditional secondary education with genuine pastoral care and genuine breadth.

Richmond sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, within view of Swale valley scenery. The school occupies multiple sites across the town, a legacy of its 1971 merger of three predecessor institutions (the Grammar School, Girls' High School, and Secondary Modern). The Darlington Road campus now consolidates most provision, though the historic fabric of the buildings tells the school's complex history.

The atmosphere at Richmond feels purposeful without being frenetic. Students move between lessons with focused pace. Visitors note immediately that this is "more than just a school; it's a community within a community," as the school itself describes it. Staff know students across year groups; sixth formers mentor younger pupils; student leaders run assemblies and after-school clubs. The sense of belonging extends to parents — engagement with primary partner schools is explicit, and families living within the catchment area feel genuine welcome.

Mrs Jenna Potter has led the school since her appointment as headteacher. Under her stewardship, and within the Areté Learning Trust (which also includes Stokesley and Northallerton schools), Richmond has invested substantially in facilities whilst preserving what makes the institution distinct: a heritage that runs back nearly 700 years, combined with genuine transparency about its comprehensive mission.

In 2021, Richmond won Northern Echo School of the Year recognition, acknowledging the breadth of what the school delivers beyond examination results. Parents and staff often comment on the "special buzz" when visiting; it stems from dedicated teaching, accessible facilities, and a tangible sense that the school serves its students and community with equal commitment.

GCSE Performance

In the most recent data available, Richmond achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.8, with 45% of pupils reaching grades 5 and above in both English and mathematics. Across all entries, 19% achieved grades 9–8, 10% achieved grade 7, and 19% achieved grades 9–7 combined. Progress 8 measured at +0.16 indicates pupils make average progress from their starting points relative to similar students nationally.

The school ranks 2,468th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally and 2nd locally within Richmond. These figures reflect a solid, mainstream secondary school serving a comprehensive intake across a large rural catchment with varying prior attainment.

A-Level Performance

Richmond's sixth form students achieve notably stronger results than GCSE cohorts, with 54% of A-level grades at A*–B. At A-level specifically, 7% achieved A* grades, 22% achieved A grades, and 26% achieved B grades. The school ranks 898th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 34% of sixth form providers nationally and 1st locally. This pronounced difference between GCSE and A-level performance suggests the sixth form attracts and effectively supports ambitious students through selective progression.

In the 2023–24 leavers cohort, 47% of sixth form students progressed to university, 3% to further education, 11% began apprenticeships, and 29% entered employment. Beyond Oxbridge, students have secured places at Russell Group universities, with Cambridge accepting 1 student in the measurement period and Oxford zero.

The curriculum follows the national framework with deliberate enrichment. Sixth form students undertake Extended Project Qualifications allowing independent research into areas of genuine interest. Subject teaching emphasises rigour; literature and history lessons centre on close reading and essay technique; sciences are taught separately from year 7, enabling depth. Mathematics is structured across ability sets from year 4.

Teaching is described as challenging but fair. The inspection noted leadership and management as Good, suggesting strategic direction is clear. Staff retain strong subject expertise; turnover is notably low compared to national averages, meaning continuity of teaching relationships extends across multiple years for many students.

Subject-based specialisms have been formally identified — the school notes particular strength in performing arts, science, and mathematics — meaning enrichment opportunities and leadership pathways cluster around these areas. Sixth form study facilities include a dedicated study area with 26 computer stations, exclusively for post-16 students, operated on a no-booking basis.

Sixth Form Destinations

In 2024, 47% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with pupils securing places across a breadth of institutions. Beyond Oxbridge (where Cambridge accepted 1 candidate in the period measured), leavers have moved to established universities including Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, and Bristol. Medicine and related healthcare programmes are popular application routes, reflecting the school's strength in science teaching.

The school provides careers education explicitly across year 12 and 13, with dedicated staff and employer engagement. Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders emerge annually, with expeditions using nearby Marrick Priory as a base for skills development in the Dales landscape.

Secondary Destinations

Admissions data shows Richmond is oversubscribed at entry (482 applications for 243 places, a ratio of approximately 2:1). The secondary entry pathway allocates places through North Yorkshire Local Authority coordinated admissions, with distance as the primary criterion after looked-after children and those with education, health and care plans. Within catchment, families should confirm application procedures directly with North Yorkshire Children and Young Persons Unit.

Music: From Symphony to School of Rock

The music department operates across multiple genres and ability levels. Named ensembles include a symphony orchestra, jazz band, guitar ensemble, samba and steel pans group, full choir, wind and saxophone quintet, and concert band. A distinctive "School of Rock" group offers contemporary music for those seeking alternatives to classical performance. Students perform locally at venues including Sage Gateshead (the region's principal arts centre) and participate in national competitions.

The sixth form music programme notably includes jazz tuition, expanding choice beyond classical pathways. Performing opportunities occur throughout the year, with some students reaching national competitive levels.

Drama and Dance: Georgian Theatre and Beyond

The performing arts department commands significant esteem locally. The Evolution Dance company represents elite contemporary dance, drawing interested students into choreography and performance. The Sixth Form Theatre Company mounts major productions annually, with performances hosted both at college and at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond town centre, a listed building that serves as genuine venue, not merely internal staging.

Drama ensembles range from contemporary dance workshops to full-scale theatrical productions. Productions involve substantial technical support and orchestral accompaniment, positioning drama as a genuine artistic pathway alongside academic study.

Sports: The Dave Clark Arena and Multi-Sport Culture

Richmond's sports provision spans individual and team disciplines across multiple facilities. The flagship Dave Clark Arena, a floodlit 3G artificial pitch opened in 2020 and named after former deputy headteacher Dave Clark, provides home for school football, local junior leagues (hosting 20 teams and over 500 junior players weekly), and community fixtures. The pitch cost £733,000 and was funded through partnership between the Football Foundation, Sport England, Richmond School Trustees, Richmondshire District Council, and Richmond Town Football Club.

Beyond the arena, the school operates multiple full-size football and rugby pitches, cricket pitches, an athletics track (locally known as "Wembley" for its dimensions matching the famous stadium), and an all-weather AstroTurf pitch for hockey and tennis. A modern sports hall and gymnasium support indoor disciplines, with sixth form students receiving complimentary gym membership available both during college and after (until 5pm).

Named team offerings include athletics, badminton, cross-country running, cricket, equestrian, football, hockey, rugby, and skiing. The skiing team operates seasonally, reflecting the school's reach across ages and interests. Compulsory sport offerings include rugby or football for boys and hockey or netball for girls; numerous students extend into representative pathways at county and regional levels.

STEM and Technology

Science facilities include modern laboratory spaces with state-of-the-art equipment, detailed in recent investment. Named clubs include the Dissection Society (for medically-minded students), specialist robotics groups, and coding clubs. The extended project qualification pathway offers opportunities for independent STEM investigation.

Student Leadership and Enrichment

Sixth form students lead a substantial enrichment offer, mentoring younger pupils in lessons and after-school club settings, running homework support clubs, and organising charitable fundraising for national and local causes. Student Leaders organise team-building events and social activities alongside academic support roles.

Named enrichment activities include the Debate Club (student-led topical discussion), Board-Games Club, a student-written newsletter workshop, and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award (run through partnership with Marrick Priory outdoor centre). Student groups determine annually which activities address their emerging interests, with staff support available across a wide range.

Community Integration

The school operates from 8:00am to 9:00pm on most days, hosting community sports clubs, civic organisations, and local groups. Richmond "Meet" Cycle Weekend (May bank holiday) uses school facilities as a hub. This dual-use model positions the school as genuine community asset rather than isolated institution, with local football clubs, rugby groups, and recreational associations regularly training on site.

Admissions to Richmond at year 7 are coordinated through North Yorkshire Local Authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with approximately 2 applications per place in recent admission rounds. Parents must submit applications through the local authority's coordinated admissions process by the published deadline; schools do not accept direct applications.

Those within the catchment area have priority after looked-after children and pupils with education, health and care plans naming the school. The catchment encompasses a wide area across north-west Yorkshire, including Swaledale, Catterick, and surrounding villages across approximately 350 square miles.

Sixth form entry is governed by academic attainment; minimum GCSE grades are required in mathematics and English (typically grade 4 or above), with subject-specific requirements for further study (grade 5+ for sciences if pursuing GCSE science-based A-levels). Progression from year 11 to year 12 is not automatic; external candidates may apply for sixth form places subject to capacity and qualification requirements.

The school emphasises safeguarding and wellbeing explicitly. Inspection findings confirmed behaviour and safety as Good, reflecting consistent pastoral structures. Year group teams provide first-point contact for pastoral support. Dedicated staff address mental health and emotional wellbeing; a trained counsellor supports vulnerable pupils.

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities coordinator manages the school's SEND provision. The school operates as a mainstream comprehensive with special classes available, meaning some pupils with identified needs receive more intensive support within the broader school environment.

Within the sixth form, pastoral support continues through tutorial structures, with each student allocated a tutor within their year group. Student leader involvement in younger pupil mentoring strengthens relationships across year groups.

School day begins at 8:50am and finishes at 3:20pm for years 7–11. Sixth form operates a modified timetable, typically starting at 9:00am with varying finish times depending on individual timetable.

Richmond is well positioned within North Yorkshire's transport infrastructure. The market town of Richmond itself has regular bus services connecting to surrounding areas; some outlying pupils rely on school transport coordinated through the local authority for those with identified need. Personal transport via car is common given the rural catchment; parking around the Darlington Road campus is limited, and parents are advised to confirm transport arrangements well before admission.

The school operates a school meals service; packed lunches are permitted. Details of meal provision and pricing are available on the school website.

Comprehensive intake and wide achievement range. Richmond serves its full community, including pupils with education, health and care plans, those in receipt of free school meals (15% of cohort), and learners with English as an additional language (3% of cohort). While academic challenge exists for higher attainers, the broad ability range means teaching pace and pitch must accommodate all. Families seeking a consistently selective environment should note this school's inclusive mission.

Large rural catchment and transport dependency. The school's 350-square-mile catchment area means many families live 20+ miles from school. For those relying on school transport, journey times can exceed 45 minutes. Families should factor travel logistics into school choice carefully, especially for extracurricular participation.

GCSE results at midpoint nationally. With Attainment 8 of 47.8 and a rank of 2,468 in England (middle 35%), Richmond delivers results in line with national average. For families seeking exceptional GCSE outcomes or grammar school selectivity, local alternatives (including grammar schools within the local authority) may offer different profiles.

Sixth form strength a real advantage. The pronounced difference between GCSE and A-level performance, and A-level ranking of 898 nationally (top 34%), suggests the sixth form is a genuine strength. External candidates moving into year 12 from neighbouring schools may encounter a culture of particular ambition at sixth form level.

A school rooted in centuries of history yet genuinely engaged with contemporary educational challenge. Richmond's combination of solid GCSE results, notable A-level outcomes, and visible community integration makes it a substantial choice for families throughout its wide catchment. The strength of the sixth form is particular advantage for those continuing beyond year 11. Best suited to families within the Richmondshire and surrounding rural areas who value a comprehensive, inclusive secondary with accessible facilities and committed pastoral care. The main consideration is distance and transport logistics given the rural catchment.