Parents

Ilkley Grammar School is immensely proud of its longstanding reputation for excellence in education both within the Wharfe Valley and across the wider region.

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Download our Post-16 2024-25 prospectus 

With a distinguished history dating back to 1607, we combine the best of our rich heritage with an ambitious vision for the future, grounded in strong core values and a relentless commitment to enabling every student to achieve their Personal Best.

We are delighted that our most recent graded Ofsted inspection in December 2024 reaffirmed our status as an ‘Outstanding’ school in all areas. Inspectors described Ilkley Grammar as “an amazing school” where “every pupil gets a chance to shine.” They praised our fully inclusive ethos and the delivery of a “sophisticated” and “rich curriculum” that leads to “excellent, sustained outcomes over time.” Our Sixth Form was also highlighted as a “shining light” offering an “exemplary extracurricular programme,” “countless opportunities,” and “extensive links to industry and higher education.”

Inspectors commended the calm and purposeful atmosphere of our school, where students “enjoy lessons,” “show care and respect for each other,” and benefit from “bespoke, individualised pastoral care.” They also recognised our “exemplary” approach to personal development, which enables all students to flourish. (You can read the full report here).

As the founding school of Moorlands Learning Trust, Ilkley Grammar School consistently delivers outstanding academic outcomes. Student progress at both GCSE and A Level is “well above average” and places us in the top 10–20% of state schools nationally. Our students regularly go on to secure excellent university places, prestigious apprenticeships, and exciting career opportunities.

We are proud of our students’ achievements both in and beyond the classroom. At IGS, academic excellence is complemented by a broad and enriching wider school experience that helps develop well-rounded individuals. From year 7 onwards, students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop new skills through a wide range of clubs, societies, trips, performances, and volunteering. Leadership opportunities and enrichment programmes are embedded throughout school life - building confidence, character, friendships, and a strong sense of community.

This holistic approach supports outstanding academic outcomes, which are consistently recognised on a national level. In the 2025 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, Ilkley Grammar School was ranked 7th among comprehensive schools in the North of England and 1st across Leeds, Bradford, and North Yorkshire. While these rankings are based on academic performance alone, they serve as further recognition of our students’ ambition, hard work, and the dedication of our exceptional staff.

Our success extends to the very highest levels. In July 2025, Ilkley Grammar was named one of the top-performing schools in the UK for Oxbridge admissions in The Sunday Times article “How to get into Oxbridge – by the state schools that do it best.” With an impressive 41% offer rate (13 offers from 32 applications), IGS ranked 13th nationally for its conversion rate - placing us above many leading independent schools and as the highest-ranked non-selective comprehensive school in the country for Oxbridge offer rate success in 2024.

Yet we remain both humble and ambitious. At IGS, high standards are the norm. We continuously strive to raise the bar - challenging both students and staff to aim high, work hard, and grow personally as well as academically.

While academic success is important, we are equally committed to nurturing the whole child. Through inspirational teaching, high expectations, and supportive relationships, we help students develop the confidence, values, and resilience to make a positive difference in their own lives and in society. We know that students thrive when they feel happy, safe, and supported, and we work hard to create a compassionate, inclusive environment where every individual is valued.

Though we are a large school, we pride ourselves on getting to know every student.  Our strong pastoral system ensures that each young person receives the guidance, encouragement, and care they need to succeed - not just academically, but in every aspect of their development - so they achieve their Personal Best and grow “in wisdom and in stature.”