Ryburn Valley High School
108%
Capacity
1,614
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About Ryburn Valley High School
Ryburn Valley High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Calderdale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,614 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 1,500 places).
Ofsted has rated Ryburn Valley High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Donna Watkins, it falls under Calderdale local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.21 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1042nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 12 in Calderdale.
Ryburn Valley High School is a popular choice with families — it received 509 applications for 254 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 276 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ryburn Valley High School include Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Theatre, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Cross Country, Badminton, Swimming and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, DofE, Science Club, Model UN and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.2%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Calderdale, Ryburn Valley High 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 | St Peter's Avenue, Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, HX6 1DF |
| Headteacher | Donna Watkins |
| Local Authority | Calderdale |
| Number of Pupils | 1,614 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,614 / 1,500 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Jul 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Jul 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 23 May 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.21)
1042nd of 3,141
Nationally
90th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
3rd of 12
In Calderdale
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
36.9
'22/23
31.2
'23/24
32.5
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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed254
509
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
276 families put this school as their 1st choice (54% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryburn Valley High 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
St Peter's Avenue, Sowerby Bridge
Calderdale, HX6 1DF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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