Best Secondary Schools in North Yorkshire 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 41 schools across North Yorkshire. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

29%

Outstanding rate

61%

Avg KS2 SATs

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Ripon Grammar School Secondary	Outstanding	83	View school
🥈	Ermysted's Grammar School Secondary	Outstanding	81	View school
🥉	Skipton Girls' High School Secondary	Outstanding	79	View school
4.	St Francis Xavier School - a Joint Catholic and Church of England Voluntary Academy Secondary	Outstanding	76	View school
5.	St Aidan's Church of England High School Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
6.	Brayton Academy Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
7.	St John Fisher Catholic Academy Secondary	Outstanding	70	View school
8.	Harrogate Grammar School Secondary	Outstanding	68	View school
9.	Ryedale School Secondary	Outstanding	65	View school
10.	Tadcaster Grammar School Secondary	Good	61	View school
11.	Outwood Academy Ripon Secondary	Outstanding	60	View school
12.	Upper Wharfedale School Secondary	Outstanding	60	View school
13.	Rossett School Secondary	Requires Improvement	58	View school
14.	South Craven School Secondary	Outstanding	58	View school
15.	Sherburn High School Secondary	Good	56	View school
16.	Richmond School & Sixth Form College Secondary	Good	55	View school
17.	St Augustine's Catholic School - a Catholic voluntary academy Secondary	Good	54	View school
18.	King James's School Secondary	Good	54	View school
19.	Stokesley School Secondary	Requires Improvement	53	View school
20.	Malton School Secondary	Good	53	View school

See full data for any school in North Yorkshire

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in North Yorkshire?

There are 41 secondary schools in North Yorkshire, of which 12 (29%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in North Yorkshire?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in North Yorkshire is Ripon Grammar School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in North Yorkshire?

Primary and secondary school applications in North Yorkshire are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the North Yorkshire council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in North Yorkshire?

29% of secondary schools in North Yorkshire are rated Outstanding and 46% are rated Good. 76.4% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.