Ilkley Grammar School
110%
Capacity
2,172
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Ilkley Grammar School
Ilkley Grammar School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bradford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 2,172 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (110% of 1,972 places).
the school is led by headteacher Carly Purnell, it falls under Bradford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.54 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 463rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 34 in Bradford.
Ilkley Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 885 applications for 305 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 354 were first-preference applications.
Ilkley Grammar School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.2/5 from 3 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (367 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ilkley Grammar School include ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Science Labs.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Rowing, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, DofE, Gardening, Book Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.9%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bradford, Ilkley Grammar School is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, Bradford, LS29 8TR |
| Headteacher | Carly Purnell |
| Local Authority | Bradford |
| Number of Pupils | 2,172 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.9% |
| School Capacity | 2,172 / 1,972 (110% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.54)
463rd of 3,141
Nationally
33rd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
5th of 34
In Bradford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
43.5
'22/23
38.4
'23/24
38.7
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
367 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed305
885
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
354 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilkley Grammar School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Cowpasture Road, Ilkley
Bradford, LS29 8TR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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