Ermysted's Grammar School Review 2026: Five Centuries of Selective Excellence

In the heart of Skipton stands one of England's most ancient educational institutions, traceable to 1492 when Peter Toller established a chantry school adjoining the parish church. Refounded in its current form by William Ermysted in 1548, the school has spent over five centuries educating boys from Skipton and the surrounding regions. The Victorian Gargrave Road building, constructed in 1876 to house both day pupils and boarders, commands a spacious site between Gargrave Road and Grassington Road, with newer facilities testament to continuous evolution. Today, Ermysted's ranks 419th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of state schools. The school is fully selective, admitting boys via competitive entrance examination, and operates as a boys-only institution with approximately 840 pupils across Years 7 to 13.

Ermysted's Grammar School in Skipton, Skipton has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The school site slopes gradually upward to "the Top", a large sports field where activities unfold throughout the week. The majority of buildings date from the 19th and early 20th centuries, their brick façades solid and commanding, yet recent investment has transformed the landscape. The £7 million Refectory complex, opened to the north of the main site, provides contemporary dining and social spaces. The Sixth Form Centre, constructed in 2016, houses a professional, university-like environment. Most recently, a brand-new observatory has captured Jupiter and its moons, symbolising the school's commitment to expanding horizons beyond the traditional academic curriculum.

Behaviour is exemplary. During lessons, pupils are focused and keen. Between classes, they are unfailingly courteous and purposeful. The 2022 Ofsted inspection found pupils to be reflective, able to discuss the importance of respect thoughtfully, and quick to report that bullying, rare, is handled with speed and clarity by leaders. Sixth-form students serve as superb ambassadors, offering mentoring to younger pupils and demonstrating maturity that extends beyond the classroom.

Headmaster Michael Evans took up post in September 2016 after a deputy headship at Orpington’s St Olave’s Grammar School. He has shaped a school culture where academic ambition coexists with personal development. The school's four houses, Toller, Ermysted, Petyt, and Hartley, named after key historical benefactors, compete vigorously in sports, music, quizzes, and other endeavours. This house system fosters belonging while maintaining individual achievement. The school's motto, Suivez La Raison (Follow the Truth in French), captures an intellectual spirit unafraid of rigorous inquiry.

GCSE Results and Rankings

Ermysted's GCSE performance places it squarely among England's highest-achieving selective state schools. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 65.8, well above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.59 indicates pupils progress above the average from their starting points, a particularly telling statistic for a selective school where intake ability is already elevated. The school ranks 419th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 10%. Locally, it ranks 1st among Skipton schools.

These headline figures reflect excellence across all subject areas. 45% of pupils achieved grades 5 and above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities, compared to the national entry rate of 40%. The school's strength in separate sciences, languages (French, German, and Latin), and humanities reflects a curriculum designed to prepare pupils for competitive university entry and professional futures. Results in arts and technology subjects are equally "very positive", reflecting leaders' commitment to breadth alongside depth.

A-Level Results and Sixth Form

The sixth form represents a remarkable achievement, rated Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors. A-level results justify this assessment: in 2024, 70% of entries achieved grades A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. 20% of all grades were A*; 27% were A. The school ranks 319th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25%. In the 2023-24 cohort, 57% of leavers progressed to university, 24% to employment, and 5% to apprenticeships.

Critically, the sixth form operates in partnership with Skipton Girls' High School to expand subject choice. This collaboration has proven valuable, enabling boys to study a breadth that would be impossible in a single-sex institution alone. Thirty A-level subjects are available, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art. The Ofsted report notes specifically that sixth-form lessons operate with a "professional atmosphere", featuring "high-quality debate and discussion" and drawing on teachers' expert knowledge to "inspire the students". Students here progress to "high-quality destinations", in 2024, 11 boys secured Oxbridge places (eight at Cambridge, three at Oxford) from 19 applications.

The curriculum at Ermysted's combines breadth with ambition. At Key Stage 3, all pupils study English, mathematics, all three sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) as separate subjects, a choice of languages, one of the humanities (history, geography, religious studies), arts, technology, physical education, and PSHE. This structure reflects the school's commitment to the English Baccalaureate framework, ensuring linguistic and scientific proficiency.

At GCSE, pupils must take English language, English literature, mathematics, and triple sciences. The school offers Arts and Technology subjects "highly valued" by leaders, and notably includes Computer Science and PE as GCSE options, unusual and indicative of a forward-thinking approach. Language provision includes French, German, and Latin; history, geography, and religious studies complete the humanities portfolio.

The quality of teaching is high. Inspectors found staff to possess "expert, specialist knowledge" that "brings lessons to life". Teachers "give expert explanations and pupils respond with enthusiasm." However, Ofsted identified one area for development: in some Year 7 and 8 lessons, teachers move learning on too quickly without checking that pupils have secured essential foundation knowledge. The school has taken this feedback seriously, and leaders continue to reinforce the importance of formative assessment before progression.

Reading is central. The library functions as "the hub of the school", with a carefully curated book stock including both diverse contemporary literature and classic reads. The school's own Ermysted Awards incentivise reading of books and articles linked to curriculum subjects, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. This investment in literacy reflects leaders' understanding that reading underpins all academic progress.

University Progression and Destinations

In 2024, 11 boys secured Oxbridge places. The school ranks 89th in England for combined Oxbridge admissions (FindMySchool ranking). The acceptance rate was extraordinarily high: 92% of those offered Oxbridge places accepted; 100% of Cambridge offers resulted in acceptances. This speaks to the quality of guidance, preparation, and pupil readiness at Ermysted's.

Beyond Oxbridge, 88% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, with particular success in medicine: 18 boys secured medical school places in 2024, reflecting strong science teaching and dedicated careers support for aspirants to healthcare professions. The school provides specialised support for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science candidates, with dedicated mentoring for those pursuing these competitive pathways.

The school explicitly lists former pupils at leading universities: Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, and Imperial College feature prominently. This breadth of destinations, not concentrated exclusively at Oxbridge, reflects a healthy ecosystem where boys make choices based on fit rather than prestige alone.

Internal Sixth Form Progression

Year 11 to Year 12 progression is not automatic but is determined by academic performance. Sixth-form entry typically asks for five GCSEs in the 5–9 range (including English and maths), and usually a grade 6 in any subject you plan to study at A‑level. Approximately 20 external pupils join the sixth form annually, joining the cohort graduating from Key Stage 4. This maintains diversity of perspective while preserving institutional continuity.

The breadth and depth of extracurricular provision rank among Ermysted's defining strengths. The school advertises 59 weekly enrichment activities, and the Ofsted inspection praised leaders for ensuring "extra-curricular clubs are available throughout the day", enabling pupils who travel longer distances to participate.

Music: A Living Tradition

Music permeates the school. The Swing Band has performed at the Skipton Christmas Market, showcasing the vibrant jazz and big band tradition. A Big Band, which has toured Germany and recorded two CDs, represents serious musicianship. Beyond this flagship ensemble, a String Ensemble, Junior Big Band, and Jazz Combo provide pathways for developing musicians. The Music Centre, converted from the old baths, provides dedicated rehearsal and practice spaces.

Significant numbers of boys receive instrumental tuition, both within and outside school. An on-site practice room allows pupils to rehearse independently after school. The school's commitment to music is reflected in hiring a part-time teacher of music, a signal that the discipline is core, not peripheral.

Drama and Performance

School plays occur biennially in partnership with Skipton Girls' High School, producing professional-calibre productions. House plays, performed annually during the autumn term by Years 7 to 10, create pathways for all interested pupils. A dramatic highlight was "Electric Warrior" in March 2007, based on the life of Marc Bolan and written by the Head of Sixth Form, featuring live T-Rex cover bands and demonstrating remarkable student-staff collaboration.

STEM: Innovation and Inquiry

The school's STEM provision extends beyond the curriculum into active clubs and competitions. The new observatory exemplifies investment in astronomy; Jupiter and its moons now come within pupils' reach. Participants in the Bar Mock Trial programme have achieved second place in regional heats of the British Mock Trial championship, developing advocacy and reasoning skills. Support for medics, dentists, and veterinary scientists reflects recognition that STEM careers demand early, sustained engagement.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with substantial pupil participation. Climbing facilities, recently extended and upgraded, include both an indoor wall and access to crags near the school. Winter cricket nets attract over 40 Year 7 and Year 8 pupils annually, preparing them for summer cricket competitions.

The Reason: Award-Winning Student Journalism

The school publishes The Reason, a termly newspaper edited and written by students, funded entirely through advertising from local businesses. This is no student publication in the decorative sense: The Reason has won 10 national Shine School Media Awards between 2019 and 2023, including three 'Best Newspaper' accolades (2019, 2022, 2023) and Best Podcast (2020). For context, this places Ermysted's among the most successful school student newspapers in the country. The publication reflects the school's commitment to voice, communication, and independent journalism.

The Ermysted's Award

Pupils are encouraged to read widely through the school's own Ermysted Award scheme, which emphasizes reading books and articles connected to curriculum subjects. This structured incentive system, unique to the school, elevates reading from habit to ambition.

Sports: Depth Across Disciplines

Sport is woven throughout the school calendar. Teams compete in rugby union (with significant success, the 1st XV reached the Daily Mail Vase Final in 2007), cross-country running (where the school team competes at national level and younger boys must participate in the annual whole-school cross-country race at Aireville Park), orienteering, cricket, and football. Additional sports include badminton, table tennis, tennis (courts recently resurfaced), golf (with access to a local club for sixth-form students), and climbing. Cross Fit and Ultimate Frisbee have recently been added to the extracurricular portfolio, signalling responsiveness to pupil interests.

A sports hall, opened in 1992 to commemorate the school's 500th anniversary, provides a permanent venue for matches and training. The facilities are continuously upgraded: recent resurfacing of tennis courts and sports hall, along with plans to extend climbing provision, demonstrates committed investment.

Entry to Ermysted's is highly competitive and selective. The school uses the GL Assessment 11+ examination, with two papers taken on Saturday 27th September 2025 (for 2026 entry). Each paper lasts approximately 50 minutes. One paper combines English and Verbal Reasoning; the other combines Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All candidates sit these papers; those achieving the highest scores rank accordingly. The qualifying score is set by the 150th ranked candidate's performance. If more than 128 places are available and the qualifying cohort exceeds places, oversubscription criteria are applied: priority goes to looked-after children, then by distance from the school.

The school operates a defined catchment area: Beamsley, Bradley, Burnsall, Carleton, Cracoe, Crosshills, Embsay, Gargrave, Grassington, Kettlewell, Kirkby-in-Malhamdale, Skipton, Sutton-in-Craven, Thornton-in-Craven, and Threshfield. However, the Education Act (1980) now permits pupils from across other local authorities to apply if funding is available, meaning Ermysted's draws pupils from Keighley, Ilkley, Earby, and Barnoldswick as well.

Registration for the 2026 entrance test opened April 22, 2025, and closed September 1, 2025. Results were released by mid-October, with offers made through North Yorkshire's coordinated admissions process. Families wishing to claim oversubscription criteria must submit a Supplementary Information Form by the deadline.

The sixth form collaborates with Skipton Girls' High School, expanding subject breadth.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection found pastoral arrangements to be strong. Teachers serve as form tutors, reporting to year heads or heads of key stage. Sixth-form students mentor younger pupils academically and emotionally. Older pupils play an integral role in welcoming Year 7s, easing transition into secondary school.

A dedicated SENCO supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Inspectors noted that pupils "feel well supported and participate fully in the life of the school". The school has "further expanded provision and expertise around SEND", indicating evolving responsiveness to diverse learner needs.

Counselling support is available, with external counsellors visiting regularly. The library serves as a welcoming space where pupils can access staff for conversation and support. A comprehensive PSHE curriculum addresses personal, social, and health education, with particular attention to equality, radicalisation, online safety, healthy relationships, consent, and respect.

The school has developed "comprehensive awareness of the pressures and risks pupils face", both online and in local communities. Sources of support include positive mental health advice, safe spaces for discussion, and counselling. Leaders take bullying seriously, intervening rapidly and effectively when incidents arise.

School hours: The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for pupils in Years 7 to 11. Sixth-form students have flexible timetabling depending on their subject load and study periods.

Transport: The school is located on Gargrave Road, a main thoroughfare in Skipton town centre. Coach Street car park (BD23 1LE) is a short walk away and offers up to 9 hours' parking for £5.50. The school operates its own car park on Gargrave Road, though this fills quickly at drop-off times and is reserved for staff on examination days. Limited free parking is available along Gargrave Road itself. Public transport links are good: Skipton railway station is within walking distance for pupils arriving from further afield.

Uniform: Boys wear blazers, ties (colour denoting house), grey trousers, and black shoes. Sixth-form students dress in business attire, reflecting the professional environment.

Contact the school directly for enquiries. The school website is.

Selective entrance is genuinely competitive. The 11+ examination attracts over 2,000 candidates for approximately 128 places. While the school has redesigned the test to reduce tutoring advantage, many families still invest in external preparation. The psychology of selective education, where every pupil was exceptionally strong at primary school, can be an adjustment. First-year students may experience unexpected academic competition and grading patterns different from their previous experience.

Distance and travel can be significant. While the catchment area covers Skipton and immediate surrounding villages, pupils from further afield (Keighley, Ilkley) face substantial daily commutes. This requires parental commitment to transport logistics and may limit participation in evening clubs for some families.

Single-sex education is the norm here. For families seeking gender-mixed schools, Ermysted's is not the answer. However, sixth-form collaboration with nearby Skipton Girls' High School (noted) provides some cross-institutional interaction at A-level.

The pace is demanding. With an intake of highly able pupils and ambitious curriculum, the school moves quickly. Those seeking a more relaxed, exploratory approach to secondary education may find Ermysted's taxing. Equally, pupils who struggle to keep pace with peer group progress may experience frustration.

Ermysted's Grammar School represents sustained, unapologetic excellence. Five hundred years of history provide bedrock; contemporary leadership ensures the school remains forward-thinking and responsive. Results are exceptional: top 10% for GCSE, top 25% for A-level, with 11 Oxbridge places annually and consistent progression to Russell Group and beyond. Teaching is rigorous, staff are expert, and pupils are intellectually engaged. The extracurricular programme, spanning music, drama, sport, journalism, and STEM, is genuinely ambitious, offering opportunities rarely found in secondary schools. Pastoral care is thoughtful and comprehensive.

This school is best suited to families seeking a selective, boys-only education with strong academic outcomes, broad enrichment, and a genuine sense of community. Boys who thrive on intellectual challenge, engage seriously with learning, and benefit from structured pastoral support will flourish here. Families must accept competitive entrance and the demands of selective education; equally, they should embrace the institutional pride and belonging that a 530-year-old school cultivates.

The main challenge is entry: places are fiercely contested, and those within catchment but without special circumstances must perform exceptionally in the 11+. Once secured, however, the education on offer is genuinely outstanding.