The Skipton Academy, Skipton

In its own words: "It is a privilege to introduce myself as the new Principal of The Skipton Academy. Having been part of this wonderful school community for the past seven years, I am delighted to continue our journey of growth and success in this new role. I would also like to thank Mr."

From the headteacher's welcome: "You are here: Home > Our School > Events > Welcome to Year 7 Students Moorlands Learning Trust was formed on 1 July 2017 when Ilkley Grammar School converted from a single academy trust to a multi-academy trust."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include eco club and Duke of Edinburgh.

In 2026, pupils at The Skipton Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 39.9, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 47.2 in North Yorkshire and 47 across England.

25% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 48% in North Yorkshire and 47% in England.

That is down from 41.6 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.62: pupils made well below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 30.2, against 43.4 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 13.2 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 20 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, History and Geography.

For September 2026 entry, 150 families put The Skipton Academy as their first choice and 401 named it as one of their preferences, for 156 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. 7 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state secondary schools to The Skipton Academy are Skipton Girls' High School (0.4 miles, Good, selective, Attainment 8 67.5); Ermysted's Grammar School (0.5 miles, Good, selective, Attainment 8 64.3); and South Craven School (4.8 miles, Good, Attainment 8 46.7).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than The Skipton Academy.

The Skipton Academy is one of 10 schools run by Moorlands Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Of the 73 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 69% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 62% to a further education college, 15% to an apprenticeship and 3% into work.

8.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (85%) and Asian (6%).

In 2026, 216 pupils (29.3%) received SEN support and 55 (7.5%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

The Skipton Academy has a SEN unit for autism: 12 places, 12 pupils on roll.

The nearest railway station is Skipton Rail Station, about 820 metres away (roughly a 10-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Aireville School Grounds (adjacent), 100 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood The Skipton Academy stands in is among the 10% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 90 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in North Yorkshire (9), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, The Skipton Academy issued 70 suspensions, 10.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to The Skipton Academy are St Stephen's Catholic Primary School and Nursery, A Voluntary Academy (0.7 miles); Skipton, Water Street Community Primary School (0.7 miles); Christ Church Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles); and Skipton Parish Church of England Primary School (1.1 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.