George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Sombr

Back To Friends

Listen Live Podcasts

Ripon Grammar named double 'parent power' award winners

Monday, 8 December 2025 08:33

Winners: Ripon Grammar School pupils with headteacher Jonathan Webb.

Ripon Grammar School has been honoured with two major awards in the Sunday Times's 2026 Parent Power guide.

The school has been named the North’s Best State Secondary School, as well as coming top in the State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North category.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the news was a ‘wonderful early Christmas present’ for staff, students and the whole RGS community at the end of a busy term.

It is the twelfth year the school has claimed the top-performing state school in the North accolade after students achieved 81.7 per cent A*-B and 53.3% A*-A at A-level.

Mr Webb said:

“These awards reflect the commitment and hard work of our students, the expertise and passion of our dedicated staff, and the valuable support we receive from parents and carers.

“In addition to RGS’s academic success, we are particularly proud that The Sunday Times has recognised all the exceptional work that goes on beyond the classroom.

“As well as remarkable music, drama and sporting opportunities, students enjoy a wide range of clubs and societies, school trips, expeditions and enrichment activities which expand their horizons and encourage them to embrace challenges.

“Underlying all of this, we pride ourselves the strength of our community and on nurturing a supportive culture of caring and kindness, with initiatives such as charity fundraising and local volunteering encouraging our students to go out into the world as good citizens and active members of society.”

Ripon Grammar School has day and boarding places available for Year 9 and Sixth Form 2026 entry (apply by January 16 and February 6). Sixth Form Open Afternoon, Wednesday, January 28, 2pm-3.30pm. Visit www.ripongrammar.co.uk for more information

More from Local News

Lightwater Valley reveals reopening date

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park has confirmed it will reopen to visitors for a new season on Saturday 28th March.
Harrogate teachers brave blizzard conditions in latest running challenge

Two teachers from a Harrogate independent prep school have completed their latest running challenge – exactly 12 months after they tackled an iconic half marathon in Norway.
Conservative councillors take swipes at Reform amid budget talks

Senior North Yorkshire Conservative councillors took veiled - and not so veiled - swipes at Reform while discussing their authority’s finances at a key meeting.
Date revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run

The date has been confirmed for this year's Knaresborough Tractor Run, which is set to return on Sunday 8th March.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appoints new CEO

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer
Council to increase council tax by maximum after £43m "wallop" from government

Council chiefs say they have no choice but to raise council tax by the maximum allowed after receiving a £43m "wallop" in cuts from the government.
Harrogate dad takes on 40,000-mile yacht race for bereavement charity

A Harrogate man is taking on a 40,000-mile yacht race to give back to the charity that supported his son through the loss of his mother.
Harrogate BID backs return of town's popular Restaurant Week

Harrogate BID is supporting the return of Harrogate Restaurant Week, which will take place from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd February 2026.
Cost of Harrogate garden bin licence revealed

Harrogate residents are being reminded to purchase their garden waste collection licence ahead of the launch of the annual service in March.
Spirit of Harrogate to enter administration

A well-known Harrogate gin business is preparing to enter administration, with efforts now underway to find a buyer.
Call for council to support pubs and hospitality businesses

A North Yorkshire councillor and former publican has called for more support for the county’s pubs and hospitality businesses, saying the "system is stacked against them".
Ripon MP says Kex Gill realignment scheme is making 'good progress'

Ripon MP Julian Smith has shared an update on the works at Kex Gill.
Northern Powergrid issue update on Leeds Road traffic lights

Northern Powergrid has provided an update after ongoing issues affecting the traffic lights at the Leeds Road crossroads in Harrogate.
Sir Stephen Fry sends mental health message to Harrogate College students

Sir Stephen Fry has sent a personalised video message to students at Harrogate College focusing on mental health.
Harrogate Cat Rescue appeals for urgent support as vet bills soar

Harrogate Cat Rescue has issued an urgent public appeal as soaring veterinary bills push the charity into crisis.
Cuts may be needed to balance budget at North Yorkshire Police

Cuts may be needed to balance the budget at North Yorkshire Police after the force received a lower than expected settlement from the government, councillors will be told next week.
Harrogate BID unveils full programme for town's Self Care Week

Harrogate BID has announced the full programme of events for the third annual Harrogate Self Care Week.
Pateley hit-and-run: Man charged with two further offences

A man has been charged with two further offences as the investigation into the fatal hit and run collision in Pateley Bridge continues.
Opinions sought on new specialist autism school in Harrogate

A public consultation is taking place on plans to open a new specialist autism school in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP sparks Parliamentary debate on water bosses flouting bonus ban

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has secured a parliamentary debate to hold water company bosses to account.