Joseph Rowntree School
96%
Capacity
1,270
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Joseph Rowntree School
Joseph Rowntree School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the York community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,270 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,328 places).
Ofsted has rated Joseph Rowntree School "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Hewitt, it falls under York local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.07 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 1680th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 8 in York.
Joseph Rowntree School is a popular choice with families — it received 377 applications for 204 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 180 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Joseph Rowntree School include Astro Turf, Library, Science Labs, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Theatre, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Hockey, Rugby, Gymnastics and 6 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Art Club, Debate, Film Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.3%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in York, Joseph Rowntree 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 | Haxby Road, York, York, YO32 4BZ |
| Headteacher | David Hewitt |
| Local Authority | York |
| Number of Pupils | 1,270 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,270 / 1,328 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Oct 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 5 Dec 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.07)
1680th of 3,141
Nationally
151st of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
8th of 8
In York
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
41.5
'22/23
39.4
'23/24
37.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed204
377
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
180 families put this school as their 1st choice (48% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph Rowntree 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
Haxby Road, York
York, YO32 4BZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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