The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the UK’s leading independent day school, helping girls and boys aged 3-18 develop into happy, confident, curious and kind young people. By nurturing their interests and talents in a stimulating setting, our caring, dedicated staff encourage pupils to answer inspiration’s call.
We are committed to caring for our pupils as well as educating them. Our aim is to help them develop their individual abilities and talents within an ethic of teamwork, friendship and mutual respect. We have a generous teacher–pupil ratio and small class sizes, which means that every student receives personal and individual attention. There are common rooms and dedicated outdoor areas for specific year groups.
At GSAL, your child will discover a world of opportunity. The school’s extensive 128-acre campus at Alwoodley Gates offers world-class facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, 3G pitch, astros and expansive playing fields. Pupils also have access to an art and design centre, 16 fully-equipped science laboratories and a recently redeveloped library with collaborative and individual learning spaces. In 2024-25 will see the unveiling of our new Performing Arts Centre - a purpose-built, world-class music, drama and performance hub with 350-seat theatre, studio and rehearsal space. The breadth of academic and co-curricular activities is breathtaking with pupils typically partaking in 4-5 hours of enhanced provision every week.
Exam results and awards. Exam results are consistently outstanding. In 2023 52% of A-level grades at A*/A and 70% of GCSE grades at 7-9 (A/A*). GSAL was named the North Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2024 and of the decade in 2021 by the Sunday Times.
GSAL Primary. For younger learners, the school offers the very best start in an environment rich in language, music, creativity and outdoor play. Inspiring teachers will encourage your child to be curious, brave, to express themselves, care for others and to treat learning like one big adventure. We support them to grow a little every day to prepare them for their years at senior school and beyond. Primary School has its own dining room for younger pupils, specialist classrooms for science, food technology and music, a drama studio, sports hall and two libraries.
The diamond model. At GSAL, pupils are educated in co-educational classes in up to age 11 whilst they are in Primary School and again from 16-18 in Sixth Form. From 11 to 16 (years 7 to 11) pupils are taught in single-sex classes for their academic lessons, which follows the diamond model of learning but still have co-educational pastoral provision, social time and co-curricular activities.
Heritage. GSAL’s founding schools, Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School, were established on principles of philanthropy and scholarly endeavour. We remain dedicated to these principles to this day, all the while ensuring that GSAL’s educational offering remains fit for a changing world.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are resolutely a multi-faith school with a large multi-cultural community which helps promote our culture of tolerance and understanding. GSAL is accredited by the National Centre for Diversity (NCFD), the first independent school to do so.
If you’re inspired by this snapshot of GSAL, come and see what we have to offer for yourself and visit us at one of our open events or taster sessions for nursery and reception.
“I look forward to meeting you and your family and welcoming you to this very special place, where we celebrate your child’s individuality as part of a thriving and dynamic school community.” Sue Woodroofe, Principal, The Grammar School at Leeds
Admission. Applying for a place at GSAL is a simple process and for most, starts a year in advance of entry. We hold a number of open events throughout the autumn term which families are encouraged to attend. Parents must then complete our online application form and pay a non-refundable £75 application fee before their desired year group’s application deadline. Parents will be sent details of their child’s entrance assessments which, for most, take place in the January prior to entry. Following the entrance assessments, parents will be sent the outcomes of their child’s application within two weeks.
Details of the entrance procedure, together with copies of sample papers, are available on the school website: www.gsal.org.uk.
Fees per term (2023–2024). Senior School (Years 7–13): £5,463. Primary School: Years 3–6 £4,080, Reception–Year 2 £3,738. Nursery: 5 days £3,330, 4 days/week £2,664, 3 days/week £1,998.
Bursaries. A number of means-tested bursaries (some full-fee) are currently awarded each year to pupils entering the school in Year 7 and Year 12. Visit https://gsal.org.uk/admissions/bursaries/ for more information.
Alumni. Alumni include former pupils of Leeds Grammar School, Leeds Girls' High School and The Grammar School at Leeds. Further information can be found in the alumni section of the school website, email: alumni@gsal.org.uk. Charitable status. The Grammar School at Leeds is a Registered Charity, number 1048304. It exists for the advancement of education and training for boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Principal: Sue Woodroofe
Vice Principal and Head of Primary School: Gabrielle Solti
Vice Principal & Head of Senior School: Graham Purves
Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral Care): Helen Stansfield
Senior Deputy Head (Academic): Debbie Danks
Director of External Relations: Helen Clapham
Director of Finance and Operations: Steve Kingston
Whole School Director of Sport: Lorcan O'Brien
Head of Human Resources: Rachel Cooper
Director of Sixth Form: Rachel Purcell
Principal’s Executive Assistant: Nina Coltman Leigh