Leaders have strong ambitions for pupils at the school. There are high expectations for behaviour and conduct. Staff share this vision and ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to flourish. Pupils speak with pride about the inclusive nature of the school, telling inspectors ‘We are a tight-knit community.’ Relationships between adults and pupils are respectful. A strong, caring culture permeates all aspects of school life.
Ofsted 2022

The Wensleydale School and Sixth Form is here for one reason: to help all of our students realise their dreams.

To do this, we make sure that our young people feel part of our safe and caring community and challenge them to grasp every opportunity that their education offers. They can then leave us with the strongest possible set of exam results, outstanding inter-personal skills and a real understanding about where their passions and talents lie.

These are the qualities and traits that I think are critical to a good education. They open doors for young people, and the more doors they have open - the more choice they have.

While it is easy to make bold statements like this, it is much harder for a parent to grasp what is simply rhetoric, and what is the reality of a school.

At Wensleydale there are tangible outcomes to show that we are setting our standards high. Ofsted has praised the work that we do. Our exam results exceed the national average and are continuing on a very positive trajectory. We regularly compete and excel against schools much bigger than ourselves.

Most importantly though, the best way to get a feel for our school is to speak to our staff and students. They are the biggest testament to the strength of our community.

So please do come in and say hello! We are a school where we are not just proud of what we have achieved, but we are proud of how we have achieved it.

Julia Polley
Headteacher