Harrogate area private schools

[Ukusinnorth]

Hi there
We are thinking of moving north to the harrogate are and have some young ones who will be in pp1 and form 3 next year. Wondering if I could get some opinions on the best schools up there. We are at an excellent school now where they have lots of beautiful outdoor space to play and the school sentiment is all about the children's experience, and growth mindset. I realise thats vague but any thoughts on the scene up there are much appreciated!

Thanks

I don't know so much about prep age, but the state secondary schools (St Aidan's and Harrogate Grammar) are excellent. Are you sure you need to be in the private sector?

Ashville. By a mile.

Avoid Ethelburga’s at all costs!

I'm not set on private, just want the absolute best for the kids wherever that is.

Why is Ashville good and Ethelburga bad?

Ashville produces good all rounders whilst Ethelburga’s is just crazy.

State schools in the area are generally excellent. Where are you thinking of living?

Somewhere in a 10km circle, or so, around Harrogate really. Welcome recommendations on that as well.

Any more thoughts anyone?

Its a bit vague OP. I have experience of two primary schools in the villages - both very good, both feed into Ripon secondaries not Harrogate though even though they are within ten miles of Harrogate.

Where you want to live and whether you want state or private will influence responses.

I would actually judge your choice of location based on the secondary school catchment you would fall into. All Harrogate state secondary schoois are excellent, I see no reason to go private. Harrogate Grammar school despite the name is a non selective comprehensive, non denominational and has a very good reputation. As does St Aidens, but this is C of E and St John's (Catholic). Rossett is also excellent, but Harrogate Grammar is usually preferred by families, simply on long standing good reputation. Most primaries in the area are also excellent, and you'll probably get the more nurturing education in the smaller village primaries, however, you are best finding out where schools have places for your DC and visit to get a feel for them. Small village primaries aren't for everyone. North of Harrogate you may fall into Ripon Secondary school catchment, and Ripon has a Grammar School, which is a true selective popular grammar. Therefore, this is very different to the Harrogate comprehensive system, which still gets excellent results, mainly due to the make up of the population of the town.

Have you tried google?

No what's that?

I'm wondering why you are thinking of moving within 10km of Harrogate OP and why you seem not to have done any homework at all.

Not being snarky at all, just wondering.

Maybe this is her homework Life?

Google might tell you exam results and OFSTED scores but it’s not going to tell you what local people genuinely think about the schools.

Will your employer give you support with fees?

go figuire and life of box forgive me if I am wrong, but OP is looking for an opinion on the schools- isn't that what Mumsnet offers, beyond the standard Google searches and official school websites? I think you are both being a bit mean, and not helpful.

Of course it could be Bird, I guess it wouldn't be my first point of call.

Its all a bit vague for offering advice though isn't it??

I don't think I am being mean Change, just a bit 🤷🏻‍♀️ about the vagueness of the OP.

Gateways?

Gets the popcorn waiting for the QE thread removals.

Totally agree to avoid Ethlb&grs.
Very well known to be totally batshit.
Don't be swayed by the gimmicks of the facilities.

Lots of gd schools in the area. I'm state through and through but have friend whose kids have liked Harrogate Ladies College and Ashville seems fairly normal too.

Just to say I have 2 boys at Queen Ethelburga’s who are doing REALLY well. Day students. We can’t fault it. I’m an ex teacher. Results are fantastic, facilities are excellent and when we have had problems, they have been sorted out very swiftly.
My advice is to go and do some look sees in the area, get a feel for things and make your own mind up.
Look for polite and happy kids and you’ll be sorted.

To be honest some of the state schools do as well and sometimes better than the private schools in the league tables. It is one of the reasons a lot of people live here. Private education whilst living in a town with such excellent schools is in my opinion a waste of money. It is just an opinion mind you. However if you look into the league tables in the area and visit some of the schools and look at the prospectuses you can see this for yourself. All the schools here are good some are excellent for academic attainment so choosing a school very much depends on the child and whether they are academically inclined or if they require a less pressured environment. The same goes for the primary schools....they’re all good schools. I’m an ex teacher too and have been through the education system in Harrogate myself as have my family and most recently my daughter.

I really wouldn’t bother with private schools in Harrogate. The state schools are equally good and you’ll save yourself a fortune.

In terms of where to live, it depends on not only the catchment area, but where you're going to work. If you're going to work in Harrogate itself, then the villages are fine. If you intend to work in Leeds or Bradford, then the south side is preferable, as getting across town can be a pain.