Harrogate Ladies’ College is a Boarding and Day school for 300 girls aged 11–18. Situated within the College campus, Highfield Pre-School is a pre school for over 70 boys and girls between the ages of 2–4. Highfield Prep School, which opened in 1999, is a Day Prep school for over 230 boys and girls between the ages of 4–11.
Location. The College is situated in a quiet residential area on the Duchy Estate about 5 minutes’ walk from the town centre and is easily accessible by road and rail networks. Leeds/Bradford airport is 20 minutes’ drive away. Harrogate itself is surrounded by areas of natural interest and beauty.
Accommodation. Approximately 40% of the pupils are full boarders. Houses are arranged in mixed age groups from Year 7 to Year 12. Year 13 pupils enjoy a greater sense of independence in their own accommodation called Tower House. This contains a large, modern kitchen, comfortable lounges and relaxation areas and girls have individual study-bedrooms. Each house has a Housemistress and Assistant Housemistress who are responsible for the well-being of the girls. There is a well-equipped Health Centre with qualified nurses.
Curriculum and examinations. The College aims to provide a broad-based curriculum for the first three years in line with National Curriculum requirements. This leads to a choice of over 28 subjects at GCSE, IGCSE and A level. Each pupil has a form tutor who continuously monitors and assesses her development.
Facilities. The central building contains the main classrooms, hall, library, and dining rooms, and a Sixth Form Centre with studies, seminar rooms, kitchens and leisure facilities. The College Chapel is nearby. An extension provides 8 laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Studies. Three dedicated computer suites, provision in the boarding houses and throughout the school, form an extensive computer network. Sixth Formers have network access using their own laptops from studies and bedrooms. Additional facilities for specialised teaching include Art, Textiles, Photography, Design and Technology, Drama and Food and Nutrition.
Our award winning Business School is where pupils are able to enjoy the academic study of Economics, Business Studies and Psychology in a state-of-the-art business-like environment which helps prepare young women of today for the global world of tomorrow.
Sport. The College has its own sports hall, a full size indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness centre, playing field, netball courts, 9 tennis courts and a dance studio. Girls are taught a wide range of sports and may participate in sporting activities outside the school day. Lacrosse and netball are played in winter, and tennis, rounders, swimming and athletics are the main summer physical activities. Extracurricular sports include badminton, basketball, fencing, golf, horse riding and gymnastics.
Wellbeing. Wellness is at the heart of our school community and our wellness initiative is designed to support pupils, staff and parents. Our Wellness Centre is the hub for a wide range of activities to support and encourage all-round physical, social and mental wellbeing, including Yoga and dance classes.
Sixth form. The College has a thriving Sixth Form Community of 100 pupils. Students have a choice of 26 courses at A level. There is a broad range of general cultural study. In preparation for adult life, Sixth Formers are expected to make a mature contribution to the running of the school and many hold formal positions of responsibility. Personal guidance is given to each girl with regard to her future plans and most pupils choose to continue their education at University.
Religious affiliation. The College is Christian although pupils of other religious denominations are welcomed. We focus on inclusion, mutual respect and understanding of people of all faiths and of no faith.
Music. A special feature is the interest given to music and choral work both in concerts and in the College Chapel, and the girls attend frequent concerts and dramatic performances in Harrogate. There are Junior and Senior choirs, orchestra, string, wind and brass groups.
Scholarships. Academic, Art, Textiles, Music, Choral, Drama and Sport scholarships are available.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Boarding: £12,070, Day: £6,325. Fee remissions are available for girls with a sibling at Harrogate Ladies’ College or at Highfield Prep School.
Entry. Entry is usually at age 11, 13 or at Sixth Form level. Entry is based on the College’s own entrance examination and a school report. Sixth Form entry is conditional upon GCSE achievement and an interview with the Principal.
Charitable status. Harrogate Ladies’ College Limited is a Registered Charity, number 529579. It exists to provide high-quality education for girls.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Dame Francine Holroyd
Principal: Mrs Sylvia Brett, MA London, BA Dunelm
Financial Controller: Mrs Emma Richards
Director of Admissions and Marketing: Mrs Sarah Bowman, BA UWE, MSc Stirling
Head of Highfield: Mr James Savile, BEd Southampton
Senior Deputy: Mrs Joanna Fox, BA OU
Director of Teaching & Learning: Miss Siobhan Scully, BA Lancaster
Senior Master: Mr Peter Massey, BA, MA, MMath Cantab
Head of Boarding: Miss Laura Brookes, MA St Andrews
Assistant Head, Head of Lower School: Mrs Joanna Griffin, BA Bristol
Assistant Head, Head of Middle School: Mrs Fran Irvine, BEd Bedford
Assistant Head, Joint Head of Sixth Form: Mr Paul Dwyer, BSc Warwick
Assistant Head, Joint Head of Sixth Form: Mrs Bonnie Christie, MEd Leeds