Ripon Grammar School ranked among England’s top 50 grammar schools

Ripon Grammar School ranked among England’s top 50 grammar schools

RIPON Grammar School has been placed among the country’s top-performing grammar schools in a new league table published by The Daily Telegraph.

The North Yorkshire day and boarding school is the only grammar in the North and Yorkshire to make it into the top 50.

RGS scored 38 out of a possible 40 points in the national ranking, which assesses 163 selective state schools against eight measures covering academic performance, university destinations, class sizes and attendance.

The school, which was ranked 42nd in England, earned an overall top rating of ‘very good’ - The Telegraph’s highest award - with the league table highlighting its strong academic outcomes and the breadth of opportunities available to students.

The ranking recognises the school’s commitment to combining academic ambition with a broad education, supporting pupils to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations both in and beyond the classroom.

Telegraph data editor Ben Butcher said: “Grammar schools represent the pinnacle of state education in England.

“With 163 of them scattered across the country, these schools are fiercely competitive, academically brilliant and so influential that they actively push up house prices as parents attempt to muscle into catchment areas.”

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said he was delighted that RGS had been recognised among the top-performing grammar schools in the country: “This result reflects the hard work and ambition of our pupils, the dedication of our staff and the support of our families.

“It is particularly pleasing to see our academic performance recognised alongside the breadth of opportunities we offer as a co-educational state grammar school.

“While academic achievement is hugely important, we believe a great education is about much more than examination results. We want every pupil to discover their strengths, embrace new opportunities and leave RGS well equipped for the next stage of their lives,” he added.

The Telegraph’s assessment draws on data from the 2024-25 academic year, including GCSE performance, A-level results, the range of subjects offered, university progression and the proportion of pupils progressing to Russell Group and other leading universities.

RGS recorded an average class size of 19.6 pupils, while 62 per cent of students progressed to leading universities, according to the league table. Its performance in A-level examinations was also rated above both the national and local averages.

The recognition comes as RGS continues to build on its reputation as a high-achieving, co-educational state grammar school offering both day and boarding places. Its boarding provision attracts pupils from across the UK and overseas, with families able to access the opportunities of a selective education without paying tuition fees.

While league tables provide one measure of school performance, RGS places equal importance on the wider experience of its pupils, including sport, music, drama, pastoral care and the opportunities to develop confidence, independence and lifelong friendships.

*RGS Sixth Form Open Evening, Thursday, November 5, visit www.ripongrammar.co.uk for more information.

*Click on this link to book a place on one of our upcoming boarding open days (Dec 13, Mar 12, May 9, June 23): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage....

Daily Telegraph league table Northern grammar school placements

42 Ripon Grammar School

68 Lancaster Royal Grammar School

80 Heckmondwike Grammar School

93 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School

95 Ermysted’s Grammar School

100+

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith

Lancaster Girls' Grammar School

North Halifax Grammar School

Skipton Girls' High School

The Crossley Heath School