Giggleswick School

Giggleswick School is one the leading independent co-educational boarding and day schools in the north of England for children aged 2 to 18. Set in 215 acres of stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, here you will find a rich and broad education, 500 years of heritage, exceptional modern facilities, and a happy, welcoming community. At Giggleswick we equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to embrace the world beyond school and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

‘Throw yourself in’

Giggleswick has always had an intangible spirit that we have never quite been able to articulate, until now. We are a characterful school, full of energy and dynamism, with more than a hint of ‘Yorkshire-ness’ about us. We are focused on hard work, rolling your sleeves up, being pragmatic, not taking yourself too seriously, and shunning any kind of pretension. This film represents the notion that to truly get the best out of a Giggleswick education, you ‘don’t just go to school, you throw yourself in.’

How can they bear tear themselves away from this happy place in the Yorkshire Dales?” Tatler Schools Guide

Best of British boarding – a warm and caring community

Giggleswick is renowned for its happy and supportive environment. Our extended school day, and full day of school on Saturday, means that boarders enjoy a structured timetable of activities and are never left on their own. On Sundays there are trips and activities to enjoy, as well as time for relaxation. Everyone knows everyone here, children make lifelong friendships and learn the importance of tolerance, compassion, and respect for others. 

“I love that my children are not simply names on a list - teachers know all the children, making them feel welcome and safe. My children have made such progress at Giggleswick, I can’t wait to see what they achieve next!” Current parent

Stunning location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park

With spectacular limestone valleys, picture postcard villages and historic castles on our doorstep, it is a place that stirs the emotions and stimulates the senses. This gives life at Giggleswick a sense of adventure and discovery where children have the time, space and freedom to grow.

This safe, secure environment is within a 3.5 hour train journey from London, an hour from Manchester, Leeds and York. We offer pick-up and drop-off services at Leeds and Manchester airports. 

Excellent academic approach to embrace a breadth of ability

Our academic standards are high across a broad curriculum, our classes are small, and we embrace a breadth of ability, supporting each child to achieve their personal best. We stretch minds and fire imaginations with an approach that means pupils leave us with a lifelong love of learning.

Co-curriculum programme nurtures the whole child

A distinctive aspect of a Giggleswick education is its focus on personal development and participation. The school is exceptionally good at discovering and developing an individual’s strengths and nurturing the whole person. 

The programme includes 70 creative, active and service clubs and societies (CAS). Activities are timetabled into the school day and pupils undertake all three strands, helping them develop a variety of strengths and contributing to their wellbeing. 

The Giggleswick Diploma recognises all-round achievements

‘Ambition, Respect and Participation’ are at the heart of The Diploma, recognising efforts in the classroom, academic progress and participation and development in co-curriculum activities. It shows each student that they’re valued, no matter what their strengths.

Deputy Head, Anna Wood: “We think it’s important to highlight the all-round nature of education and not lose sight of the whole child. Academic progress is clearly very important, we also know that learning happens inside and outside the classroom - education is more than numbers and grades.  

“Traditionally there’s been an academic curriculum and an extended, enrichment curriculum - in reality, we’ve always seen it as one curriculum designed to bring the best out of each child. The Diploma ties everything together with breadth and balance for each pupil to participate in all areas, helping them develop skills, self-confidence and a growth mindset that promotes acting on feedback to improve performance.” 

International students

We welcome international pupils from across the world, including expatriate and Forces families. We are proud of the diversity of our students and inclusive culture, maintaining a good balance of British and international students in each class and boarding house.

Scholarships

From the Royal Northern College of Music, Oxbridge and RADA to Veterinary School, Medical School or the Armed Forces – there is no limit to where a scholarship can take you. Scholars uphold the highest standards and act as positive role models.

We offer Academic, All-Rounder, Music and Sport scholarships into Years 7, 9 and 12, Art and Choral scholarships into Years 9 and 12, and Design and Drama scholarships into Year 12. 

In the event of a candidate being offered an award of insufficient value to enable them to attend Giggleswick, parents may apply for a means-tested bursary.

Contact us for more information and to arrange a tour: visit our web site here
email: [email protected]  |  call: 01729 893000