Ripon Grammar School has been named the best State Secondary School in the North in the Sunday Times.

The school’s Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the whole school was delighted to be honoured with two major awards in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power guide.

Ripon Grammar School is listed as the North’s best State Secondary School in the national newspaper and online, as well as coming top in the State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North category.

Mr 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.

Ripon Grammar School’s Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the whole school was delighted to be honoured with two major awards in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power guide. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Ripon Grammar School’s Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the whole school was delighted to be honoured with two major awards in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power guide. (Picture contributed)

“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,” said Mr Webb.

“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.”

“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.”

It is the 12th year Ripon Grammar School has claimed the top-performing state school in the North accolade.

For more results from the Sunday Times Parent Power guide, see: https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw

RGS 2025 results

A-level - A*-B 81.7%; A*-A 53.3%

GCSE – 9-8 59.7%; 9-5 94.1%

Unusually for a state school, Ripon Grammar School offers boarding for boys and girls aged 11-18 years, alongside an exceptional free education.

As a result, its boarding costs are only around a third of private school fees.

Ripon Grammar School has day and boarding places available for Year 9 and Sixth Form 2026 entry.

The Sixth Form Open Afternoon takes place on Wednesday, January 28, 2pm-3.30pm.

Information: www.ripongrammar.co.uk