Darwin School, Thirsk
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Darwin School is thoughtfully designed for pupils who have experienced educational disruption or have additional needs. The school combines academic rigour with genuine care, offering a calm, nurturing environment where staff build positive relationships with pupils. Leaders demonstrate deep understanding of their pupils' needs and provide tailored support including therapy services, specialised teaching strategies, and enrichment activities that help pupils develop life skills and confidence.
Key Strengths
- Broad and ambitious curriculum with well-sequenced subjects leading to recognised qualifications (GCSE, BTEC, ADAN)
- Specialist support including access to therapists and tailored provision for pupils with SEND and EHC plans
- Nurturing, caring ethos with small school environment and focus on positive relationships between staff and pupils
- High-quality learning environment with refurbished 19th century premises, spacious classrooms, and excellent facilities
- Strong careers guidance programme measured against Gatsby Benchmarks with links to further education and workplaces
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective with suitable policies in line with statutory guidance, comprehensive staff training, identified designated safeguarding leads, and close working relationships with external professionals to protect vulnerable pupils.
Extracurricular Activities
Assemblies, visiting speakers, debates about different faiths and beliefs, cooking skills in school kitchen, vegetable gardening, countryside walks, equine therapy, village community involvement activities
Darwin School is a new independent school set to open in Baldersby St James, North Yorkshire, designed for pupils who have experienced gaps in their education and/or have special educational needs. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards when it opens.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
38%
Available places
9 pupils
24 capacity
15 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Thirsk
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Thirsk
Admissions Demand - North Yorkshire
Places available
7,139
Applications
5,644
Got 1st preference
92.6%
Got preferred school
98.7%
Secondary admissions across North Yorkshire (2025/26)
Inspection History
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Darwin School
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