Gunnerside Methodist Junior School, Richmond

In its own words: "We come to school to learn, explore and grow. In our small community, we all work together to make a better school, make connections and to prepare for our future. Values of love, kindness, hope and peace help to guide us on this journey."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Reeth and Gunnerside Primary Schools. Together we educate the children of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale from the age of 3 to 11 years. Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we have a fantastic learning environment on our doorstep that provides superb opportunities for first hand learning, and this is complemented by great facilities within the schools."

The school runs after-school care.

For September 2026 entry, 3 families put Gunnerside Methodist Junior School as their first choice and 5 named it as one of their preferences, for 3 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places, so in 2026 a family who put it first could expect an offer unless the school's other criteria ruled them out.

First-choice demand has risen from 1 in 2021 to 3 in 2026, while places went from 1 to 3.

Across North Yorkshire, 96% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2025, families in North Yorkshire lodged 115 appeals against primary school offers; 64 reached a hearing and 19 succeeded (29.7% of those heard).

21.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (the average state school: 24.5%), and 0% speak English as an additional language (average: 18.5%), according to the 2025 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (91%) and Mixed (9%).

In 2025, 1 pupils (4.3%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) had an education, health and care plan, against 15.6% and 3.9% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Gunnerside Methodist Junior School employed 11 teachers in 2022, roughly one for every 2 pupils. Their average salary was £39,511.

Its 2026 funding allocation works out at £13,286 per pupil (£0.3 million in total), including £7,575 of pupil premium for disadvantaged pupils.

There is no railway or Underground station within about three miles of Gunnerside Methodist Junior School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Gunnerside Bridge (s-bound), 100 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Gunnerside Methodist Junior School stands in is among the 50% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 9th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

Gunnerside Methodist Junior School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2023/24.