Classpot

The North Halifax Grammar School

Calderdale, HX2 9SUSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Nov 2023
Progress 8
+0.18
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
207 1st-choice / 179 places
Ranking
#1,129
of 3,141 nationally

About The North Halifax Grammar School

The North Halifax Grammar School is a mixed state secondary in Calderdale that is clearly in high demand. With 1,199 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,250, it is nearly full, and its admissions data for the 2025/26 intake tells a striking story: the school received 650 applications for just 179 places, an oversubscription ratio of 3.63. Of those applicants, 207 put it as their first preference, and only 151 first-preference offers were made. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals sits at 5.5%, which is notably lower than the national average for secondary schools, suggesting an intake that is less economically diverse than many of its neighbours. The school does not have a religious character, so its popularity appears to rest squarely on academic reputation rather than faith-based admissions. Headteacher Desmond Deehan leads a school that, while no longer rated Outstanding by Ofsted, continues to attract far more families than it can accommodate.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressMoorbottom Road, Halifax, Calderdale, HX2 9SU
HeadteacherDesmond Deehan
Local AuthorityCalderdale
Number of Pupils1,199
Free School Meals (FSM)5.5%
School Capacity1,199 / 1,250 (96% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

8 Nov 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 17 Dec 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

7
Playing FieldsArt StudiosDining HallAstro TurfICT SuiteGymnasiumSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

BasketballNetballBadmintonRoundersHockeyCricketCross CountryDanceGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

Book ClubScience ClubEco ClubYoung EnterpriseNewspaperModel United NationsGardeningDramaChoir

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalMulti-SensoryOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The North Halifax Grammar School

The North Halifax Grammar School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.