Giggleswick School is based on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering affordable independent education and academic excellence for girls and boys aged 2 to 18. The school was awarded ‘excellent’ in an impressive six aspects of provision by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Located on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, the school sits within a 200-acre campus of stunning countryside, where you’ll find 500 years of heritage, exceptional modern facilities and a happy, welcoming community.
334 boys and girls attend Giggleswick, either as full-time or flexi boarders or day pupils. It is a traditional British boarding school with 65% of pupils boarding (increasing to 80% in Sixth Form), 17% of whom are from military families and 17% from the international community. The approach to education combines excellent academic achievement, ambition and strong self-belief, with a strong focus on personal development. The school’s core values are participation, ambition and respect.
In 2021, 83% achieved A*–B grades at A level. BTEC options continue to deliver excellent results for our students and this year 93% of our pupils achieved the D*D or D*D* (A*/A or A*/A* equivalent) grade. At GCSE, 51% achieved 7–9 grades. Our dramatists were among the top performers with 80% achieving the higher grades 7–9. Classified as the hardest subjects by the CEM Centre, Physics and German have been an area of strength with 50% achieving grades 7–9 in Physics and 71% in German.
However, life is about more than great grades at Giggleswick. The extended day and boarding ethos gives all pupils the chance to participate in any of over 70 co-curricular activities that encourage pupils to explore new horizons, challenge themselves and often achieve beyond their expectations. 50% of pupils take part in music lessons at Grade 6 or above with 120 pupils in drama productions. Average class sizes are 13.5 in Key Stage 3 and 4 and 6.5 in Sixth Form.
All boarders live in one of seven boarding houses with a dedicated co-ed house for young boarders in Years 6 to 8. The first phase of a multimillion pound investment in boarding facilities was completed in September 2018, which is shaping a new family-friendly model of boarding to create a modern home away from home with a real focus on community and wellbeing.
There are excellent sports coaches at all levels, superb facilities and regular programmed training sessions. Each year a number of pupils gain representative honours in a range of sports and a place on the Elite Sports Programme. This includes specialist coaching, mentoring, professional sports visits and strength and conditioning training.
Facilities include a floodlit AstroTurf, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, two indoor sports halls and an indoor swimming pool. The Outdoor Pursuits Department is staffed by a Mountaineering and Climbing instructor and eleven Mountain, Hill and Moorland Leaders and climbing Instructors. Staff also hold Paddlesports, Mountain Biking and Caving qualifications. The school has its own indoor climbing wall, crag, 10km mountain bike trail and a shooting range on campus. There are a number of local, nationally recognised, crags and caves and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales.
Giggleswick’s Art Department provides a lively and stimulating environment where pupils can explore and develop their creative skills. The department includes a resident ceramic artist, who works and teaches in the Department. There is a well-equipped ceramics studio, a vacuum silkscreen printing bed, plus facilities to make photo silkscreens, and a large etching press.
Drama takes place in the state-of-the-art Richard Whiteley Theatre, a 250-seat professional venue. There are opportunities to develop skills in stage management, sound and lighting as well as acting in productions such as Much Ado About Nothing.
In the music department there is a Head of Instrumental Music as well as a Head of Department and four full-time musicians. They are assisted by a team of 13 visiting teachers, and ensembles include the School Orchestra, Concert Band, Chapel Choir, Concert Choir, a Brass Ensemble and a String Quartet as well as a number of rock bands. Numerous performance opportunities are offered including trips abroad.
Giggleswick is not a selective school. The school has an equal opportunities policy and is happy to consider applications from any child so long as other entrance criteria are met. Various scholarships and bursaries are also available.
The school is an hour’s drive from Leeds, Manchester and The Lakes. It can be reached from the M6 or M1 motorways or by rail via Settle or Giggleswick stations. Overseas students fly to Leeds/Bradford or Manchester Airports.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Reception–Year 2: Day £2,375; Years 3 & 4 Day £5,460; Years 4–6 Boarders £9,030, Day £5,460; Years 7 & 8: Boarders £10,325, Day £6,715; Years 9–11: Boarders £13,495, Day £8,335; L6–U6: Boarders £13,970, Day £9,030. 5-night and 3-night flexi boarding also available. Fees include VAT.
Charitable status. Giggleswick School is a Registered Charity, number 1109826.