Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Harry Styles

American Girls

Listen Live Podcasts

New school observatory opens to inspire next generation of astronomers

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 15:29

Year 7 pupils Noah and Joseph in the new Observatory at Ermysted's.

Skipton's Ermysted's Grammar School has an exciting new resource for young astronomers after becoming one of only a very small number of schools across the country with its own observatory.

The facility will be used extensively by Year 10 GCSE Astronomy pupils, as well as by Sixth Form students studying the astrophysics module as part of their A Level Physics course. It will also be open to other pupils with an interest in observing the night sky and developing their scientific skills.

Thanks to the generous support of former pupils, the school has been able to source high-quality astronomical instruments, including the main telescope used during observing sessions. Importantly, all equipment is securely stored elsewhere and brought to the observatory only when in use, ensuring the facility remains safe, while still offering students access to excellent resources.

Ermysted's also extends its thanks to Mr Dennis of Grizedale Observatory, a public observatory in Cumbria, whose expert guidance and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the project’s development.

Headteacher Michael Evans said:

“This observatory marks a significant step forward for our science provision here at Ermysted's. We are deeply grateful to our Old Boys’ community and to Mr Dennis for their generosity, expertise, and support. Their contributions have created outstanding opportunities for our pupils and will inspire scientific curiosity for many years to come.”

The observatory will host evening observing sessions, astrophotography activities, curriculum-linked practical work, and wider enrichment events for pupils across the school.

More from Local news

Yarndale announces winner of 2026 Start Up Bursary

Yarndale has announced the recipient of its 2026 Start Up Bursary ahead of the popular yarn festival's return to Skipton next month.
Polling station changes proposed in Skipton

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith is encouraging residents to have their say on proposed changes to polling arrangements across North Yorkshire.
Silsden hair and beauty business celebrates expansion

A Silsden hair and beauty business has expanded into new premises following the transformation of a building opposite its original salon.
Strong A Level performance celebrated by county’s schools

Students across North Yorkshire are celebrating after receiving their A Level, BTEC and T Level results today (Thursday).
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Successful launch for Craven Court's new independent bookshop

A new independent bookshop has celebrated a successful first week in Skipton town centre.
Free family music workshops coming to Skipton this weekend

Families are being invited to take part in a series of free music workshops in Skipton this weekend.
Skipton streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up

Busy areas of Skipton are set to receive a chewing gum clean-up after North Yorkshire Council secured £27,500 in new funding.
Police invite residents' views on Skipton Bus Station

Police are inviting residents to have their say on anti-social behaviour at Skipton Bus Station.
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast

Costs due to a rise in the number of children in care has contributed to North Yorkshire Council forecasting a £10m overspend for the financial year.
Skipton coffee company celebrates top Great Taste award

Skipton-based Coffee Care is celebrating after receiving a coveted three-star Great Taste award for the third time.
Teenagers sentenced after terrifying knife-point robbery in Skipton

Two Keighley teenagers have been handed suspended prison sentences after luring a classmate to a Skipton park before threatening him with a knife, beating him and stealing more than £800.
North Yorkshire schools set for £6.8m improvement programme

School buildings across North Yorkshire could benefit from a £6.8 million programme of improvements as the council looks to tackle a growing backlog of repairs.
Skipton Business Awards finalists revealed after more than 1,200 nominations

Skipton BID has announced this year's Business Awards finalists after more than 1,200 nominations.
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC

Children across Yorkshire are being invited to nominate an adult in their life to be covered in slime live on CBBC.
Fresh calls for school transport changes to be abandoned amid claim council is ignoring own policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing fresh calls to abandon its controversial new home-to-school policy after it emerged that the authority was not following its own rules on how to assess eligibility.
Funding agreed to progress work on Skipton leisure hub redevelopments

North Yorkshire Council has approved the release of £360,000 to progress plans redevelop two leisure centres.
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.