Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Bee Gees

Night Fever

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

Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town to partner for return of Local Hero Awards

Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town will be teaming up for the fifth annual Local Hero Awards, returning to Rudding Park in 2026.
Harrogate appoints night marshals for festive season

Night marshals are taking to the streets of Harrogate throughout the festive season to ensure residents and visitors feel safe.
Search continues for missing man who could be in Harrogate

As police searches continue, the family of missing man Robert Rees-Hughes have described him as 'the most gentle and loving person'.
Harrogate dad living with epilepsy shares hope for festive season he can remember

A father from Harrogate is hoping this will be a Christmas to remember after previous festive seasons were wiped from his memory by epilepsy.
Ripon BID named as finalist at national awards

Ripon BID has been named as a finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026.
Man arrested in Harrogate after hitting woman 'multiple times in the head'

Police are appealing for information about an assault that occurred in Harrogate last week.
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban

Yorkshire Water has lifted its hosepipe ban today (Wednesday), bringing an end to restrictions that have affected more than five million people since July.
Fundraiser launched to help Starbeck boy take his first independent steps

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a Starbeck boy access specialist physiotherapy and help him take his first steps.
Harrogate jeweller to give away free gift cards to swift shoppers

A Harrogate jeweller is trading treats for festive spirit this Christmas – and giving shoppers the chance to walk away with a free gift card.
Don't blame wildlife for £11.7m Kex Gill overspend, say Green councillors

Financial mismanagement rather than a requirement to protect wildlife caused an £11.7m overspend on a major road building scheme, opposition councillors claim.
Suicide prevention bench installed in Harrogate's Valley Gardens

A suicide prevent bench has been installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens as part of a mental health awareness campaign.
Family of teenager killed near Pateley Bridge raise £6,700 in his memory

Family and supporters of a teenager was killed in a fatal hit and run incident have raised more than £6,700 in his memory.
Harrogate artists unveil stunning festive mural at Harrogate Hospital

Three local artists have unveiled a stunning Christmas mural in the front window of Harrogate Hospital.
Rudding Park wins national award for best short golf course

Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating having won Best Short Course at the Golf Course Awards held at Emirates Stadium in London.
Tributes paid to former Yorkshire Agricultural Society president

A much-loved member of the Great Yorkshire Show family and former Yorkshire Agricultural Society President, Margaret Chapman, has died unexpectedly at home, the Show's organisers have announced.
New Tesco officially opens on Skipton Road today

A new Tesco superstore on Skipton Road will welcome its first customers today (Tuesday).
New wine bar to open in Harrogate this weekend

A brand new wine bar and shop is set to open its doors in Harrogate town centre this weekend.
Fat Badger beer club raises £2,000 for Candlelighters

The long-running Fat Badger Beer Club has raised more than £2,000 for Yorkshire charity Candlelighters at its final event before Christmas.
Harrogate cocktail bar named among top 50 in UK

Harrogate cocktail bar Over & Above has been named in the UK's official top 50 cocktail bars list - less than a year after opening.
Sunflower Bakery in Harrogate announces closure

Sunflower Bakery in Harrogate is set to close, the bakery has announced.