Scalby School Review 2026: High-Performing Secondary with a Community Heart

Scalby School serves the Newby area of Scarborough as a cornerstone of the local community, blending academic ambition with a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. As part of the Coast and Vale Learning Trust (recently merged with Delta Academies Trust), the school has shown remarkable resilience in the face of significant infrastructure challenges. Following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in 2023, which led to the closure of large parts of the main site, the school successfully transitioned to a hybrid model of operation using high-quality temporary classroom units alongside existing safe areas.

The school is led by Mr Chris Robertson, who was appointed as Headteacher in May 2022. Under his leadership, Scalby has maintained its reputation for strong academic outcomes. In early 2025, North Yorkshire Council approved a landmark site swap plan that will see the school relocate to a brand-new, purpose-built modern facility on the former Raincliffe School site, approximately 0.7 miles away. This multi-million pound investment from the Department for Education is set to transform the educational landscape for Scarborough students over the coming years.

The atmosphere at Scalby School is one of quiet purpose and collective pride. Despite the disruption caused by RAAC, students and staff have fostered a "business as usual" culture that focuses on learning and mutual respect. The school operates on a foundation of respect and responsibility, which is evident in the calm corridors and the focused nature of the classrooms.

The school's identity is built on being a community school that serves both urban and rural populations, with a catchment area stretching from the Barrowcliff Estate to villages as far north as Ravenscar. As a member of the Coast and Vale Learning Trust, the school benefits from shared expertise across the North Yorkshire coast. This partnership has strengthened the curriculum and provided students with wider opportunities for collaboration and competition.

Scalby School ranks 949th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 1st among the secondary schools in Scarborough. This performance sits above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band).

The latest results tell a story of consistent academic progress. The average Attainment 8 score reached 51.1, significantly outperforming the England average of 46.3. More impressively, the Progress 8 score of +0.55 indicates that students at Scalby make well over half a grade more progress across their subjects than similar students in other schools in England. This "value-added" measure is a key indicator of the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of the school's interventions.

In the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 37% of students achieved a grade 5 or above, which is notably higher than the England average. The average EBacc APS score of 4.63 further confirms that students are achieving strong grades across a rigorous suite of academic subjects.

Teaching at Scalby is underpinned by a commitment to high-quality instruction and a curriculum that is both broad and balanced. The school places a heavy emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, but students also have access to a wide variety of options at Key Stage 4.

The latest ungraded Ofsted inspection in October 2024 confirmed that the school continues to maintain its Good standard. Inspectors found that the curriculum is well-considered and ambitious, with teachers using effective strategies to check understanding and ensure all students, including those with SEND, make strong progress. Despite the temporary buildings, the quality of work in students' books remains consistently high.

Extracurricular life at Scalby is vibrant, with a particular strength in STEM and Sport. The school's "Scalby STEM" initiative is a major pillar, featuring the highly popular Formula 24 Greenpower racing team, where students design, build, and race electric cars. Other specific clubs include the Coding Club and the Robotics Society, which take advantage of dedicated IT spaces.

In terms of sport, the school utilises its expansive playing fields and multi-use sports hall for a range of activities. Competitive fixtures in football, netball, and rugby are staples of the school calendar, while individual pursuits like athletics and table tennis are also well-supported. The Creative Arts are represented through the Scalby Choir and annual drama productions that often involve large cohorts of students both on stage and in technical roles.

Pastoral care is organised through a year-group system, with each student belonging to a tutor group that meets daily. This structure ensures that every student has a consistent point of contact who monitors both their academic progress and their emotional wellbeing.

The school operates an "Access to Learning Centre" which provides high-quality support to a small number of pupils who require extra help with their behaviour or social-emotional needs. Ofsted inspectors noted that the behaviour system is fair and helps to create a calm atmosphere. Safeguarding is described as effective, with a positive culture that puts students' interests first.

Scalby School is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its status as the top-ranked secondary in Scarborough. In recent cycles, the school has received nearly two applications for every available place, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.89.

For September 2026 entry, the secondary application round opens on 12 September 2025, with a strict deadline of 31 October 2025. Admissions are coordinated by North Yorkshire Council. While the school is a community choice, the catchment is large, covering many surrounding villages. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to local trends. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place; distances vary annually based on applicant distribution.

Where Students Go Next

As a 11-16 school, Scalby students transition to a variety of post-16 providers. A significant number of students progress to Scarborough Sixth Form College to pursue A-levels, while others move to Scarborough TEC for vocational and technical pathways. The school's strong links with local employers and the trust ensure that students receive robust careers guidance from Year 7 onwards.

Students interested in comparing local performance and progression can use the Local Hub page on FindMySchool to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

The school day at Scalby begins at 8:40 am and concludes at 3:10 pm. The school is well-served by local bus routes from Scarborough town centre and the surrounding villages, with approximately 80% of students traveling three miles or less. A one-way system operates on Fieldstead Crescent to manage traffic during drop-off and pick-up.

• RAAC and Temporary Site: While the school has maintained high standards, students currently learn in a mix of the original building and temporary units. The planned move to a new site is several years away (expected around 2028).
• Oversubscription reality: With nearly two applications for every place, securing a spot at Scalby is difficult for those living outside the immediate area. Families should verify their catchment status before applying.
• No internal sixth form: Students must transition to a new provider at 16. While Scalby manages this well, it requires students to be ready for a change in environment after Year 11.

Scalby School is an academic powerhouse in the Scarborough region, offering a level of progress that rivals top-tier schools across England. Its ability to maintain a "Good" Ofsted rating and "National Strong" results while navigating the RAAC crisis is a testament to the school's leadership and the resilience of its students. Best suited to students who thrive in an orderly environment and who want to take advantage of exceptional STEM opportunities. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.