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Giggleswick School announces new partnership with Ilkley prep school

Thursday, 15 October 2026 09:51

The agreement will establish a closer pathway to Giggleswick for Ghyll Royd pupils who choose to continue their education there.

Giggleswick School has announced a new partnership with Ghyll Royd School in Ilkley aimed at creating more opportunities for pupils and staff.

The two independent Yorkshire schools will work more closely together and share expertise, resources and opportunities, while retaining their individual identities and character.

Ghyll Royd is an independent preparatory school for children aged two to 11, while Giggleswick provides education from junior school through to sixth form.

Both schools say they share an approach focused on helping children develop confidence, curiosity and character alongside their academic education.

The partnership is expected to include collaboration across curriculum development, sport, outdoor education, STEM, creative arts and wellbeing.

Staff at the two schools will also be given opportunities to work together and share expertise.

The agreement will establish a closer pathway to Giggleswick for Ghyll Royd pupils who choose to continue their education there, with the schools aiming to make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 as smooth as possible.

Sam Hart, Headmaster at Giggleswick School, said:

“What struck us from the outset was how much the two schools have in common.

"Ghyll Royd has a wonderful sense of community and a very clear commitment to giving children a broad and nurturing education, values that are very much part of Giggleswick too.

“We have facilities and specialist expertise at Giggleswick that we are very happy to share, and there will be plenty that we can learn from Ghyll Royd in return.

"That is what makes this a genuine partnership.

“Independent education is changing, and we believe there is a real opportunity for like-minded schools to work more closely together.

“By sharing expertise and resources where it makes sense to do so, we can strengthen our school communities while creating even greater opportunities for the children within them.”

Giggleswick said the agreement also forms part of its longer-term ambition to build stronger relationships with like-minded preparatory schools.

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