Rishworth is a peaceful village in Halifax, West Yorkshire, but there’s much more to it than rural scenery and historic landmarks. It’s located close to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds, embraced by lush rolling hills, open fields, and a warm and friendly community.
Nestled in the Ryburn Valley is Rishworth School — an independent day and boarding school that offers continuous education for students aged three to 18. The results speak for themselves when it comes to the quality of learning. Graduates have secured spots at Oxford and Cambridge as well as Russell Group universities, with GCSE results surpassing the national average by 10% and nearly 40% of all A Level grades are A-A*.
Yet, excellent grades aren’t the only thing that makes Rishworth School stand out. Whether students are taking part in national sports competitions, showcasing their penchant for performance through theatre productions, or completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award — the school cultivates well-rounded characters with a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, and discovery.
“Rishworth is a small school, so you can have better relationships with the teachers and more time for discussion and learning in class,” says Sandy, a full-time boarder from Thailand. “Boarding is a loving, homely environment and we go on trips every weekend to explore the UK!”
Rishworth School is an independent day and boarding school where students develop character, confidence, and independence through a well-rounded education. Source: Rishworth School
300-year heritage, forward-thinking preparation for life
Confidence, independence, and resilience — these traits are signature to every student who graduates from Rishworth School. From Nursery to Prep, Senior School, and Sixth Form, Rishworth students are nurtured within a dynamic and aspirational environment, taking agency in their learning and preparing to thrive in a future beyond school.
Sixth Formers, especially, can explore new depths through a wide range of A Level subject choices and a well-rounded curriculum. They could become a master in programming through Computer Science, invent solutions to real problems in Design and Technology, or study the principles of nutrition, food safety, and preparation with Food Science and Nutrition.
To empower Sixth Formers even more, Rishworth School is launching a new opportunity: the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management. They’re the only Sixth Form programme in the region offering this internationally recognised qualification to students aged 16 to 18. It’s a practical, work-based learning experience that’s respected by employers across the globe and is often used as a benchmark for career progression.
Students in the ILM will undertake three courses: Managing Workplace Projects, Understanding Good Practice in Mentoring, and Understanding Leadership. These will be scheduled around the existing A Level curriculum. Those participating will be required to complete a small project and lead a short peer mentoring initiative to achieve the qualification, which is applicable across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, engineering, and more.
Rishworth School is situated on 140 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside, which makes for excellent outdoor activities. Source: Rishworth School
‘Extensive range of enrichment and extension activities’
Leadership opportunities, co-curricular activities, and enrichment programmes — Rishworth School’s learning extends far beyond the classroom. That’s the upside of living and learning within 140 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside: there’s an abundance of activities for students to get involved in.
They have the facilities to get active, including five rugby pitches, courts for tennis, squash, and basketball, as well as a swimming pool. And students can choose from extra-curricular activities like skiing, football, TEDx, Lego engineering, and yoga as well. The list is seemingly endless.
“The main thing I love about Rishworth is the extra-curricular offering and how much there is to choose from,” says Amir, a boarding student from Iran. “It is the part of my timetable that I can personalise and use to develop my interests away from the classroom.”
The boarding experience mimics a home away from home. Rishworth School has a dedicated team offering new students support from the moment they step onto the airport or railway station, and an international environment where they will encounter new perspectives. The fun doesn’t stop when classes end, either. Boarders enjoy numerous weekend trips and activities, whether they’re looking to step away from campus and explore the outdoors or wind down in some quiet. They could travel to nearby cities like Manchester or Leeds or immerse themselves in new cultures through food.
Learn more about Rishworth School today.
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