Ripon Grammar School
Ripon, North Yorkshire · HG4 2DG
Ripon Grammar School is a state grammar school in North Yorkshire that combines rigorous academics with exceptional boarding accessibility at around one-third the cost of independent alternatives. The school has earned recognition as the Sunday Times 'Top State School in the North' (2026) and sits in the top 2% nationally for pupil progress. It offers a rare combination of selective academic entry, co-educational boarding from age 11, and substantial extracurricular breadth across music, drama, and sport.
- →Outstanding academic outcomes and progress measures, ranked in top 2% nationally, without independent school fees
- →Affordable boarding from £5,032 per term (no VAT) with no hidden extras, one-third typical independent school cost
- →Exceptional co-curricular offer including music, drama, and sport with no additional charges
- →Strong pastoral care through house system and demonstrated mental health support
Who thrives here
Pupils who are academically able and self-directed, particularly those seeking boarding alongside selective education; families in Northern England (or those relocating) who want state school fees with independent school facilities; boarders aged 11–18 seeking structured community life.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Clotherholme Road
Ripon, North Yorkshire
HG4 2DG
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ripon Grammar School cost?
Ripon Grammar School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Ripon Grammar School?
Ripon Grammar School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Ripon Grammar School's exam results?
At Ripon Grammar School, 35.5% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 60.2% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Ripon Grammar School a boarding school?
Ripon Grammar School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Ripon Grammar School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Ripon Grammar School “Good” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Outstanding academic outcomes and progress relative to baseline
✓Exceptional value for money: state school fees with boarding and facilities on par with or exceeding independent schools
✓Strong co-curricular offer without additional cost; music, drama, and sport fully integrated
✓Supportive pastoral care and house system; bullying and safeguarding taken seriously
✓Accessible boarding model that enables family mobility without premium fees
Common concerns
!Limited detail on SEND provision and specialist support capacity; may not suit pupils requiring intensive differentiation
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; potential concern for parents seeking recent external validation
!Rural location may limit public transport access for day pupils; boarding costs still significant for some families despite relative value