Giggleswick School named finalist for Regional Independent School of the Year: North

Our school has been named a Finalist in the Regional Independent School of the Year: North category at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026.

Having initially been selected as one of 13 Commended schools in the category, Giggleswick has now progressed to the final six, alongside Gordonstoun, Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby, Morrison’s Academy, Newcastle High School for Girls GDST and Scarborough College.

The recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement while making the most of their northern identity and location to provide a distinctive educational experience for their pupils.

For Giggleswick, our setting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is an integral part of school life. From outdoor education and sport to our extensive co-curricular programme, pupils are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities around them, developing confidence, resilience and independence alongside their academic studies.

The announcement follows a particularly positive year for the School, including strong academic results, with 44% of A Level grades awarded at A or A and 67% at A–B**, alongside an exceptionally strong performance in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, where 83% of grades were A or A*.

Headmaster Sam Hart said:

“To be named as one of just six finalists for Regional Independent School of the Year: North is something of which our whole community can be incredibly proud.

“Giggleswick has always been shaped by its location and its community. Our pupils have the space and opportunity to challenge themselves, discover what they are capable of and develop the confidence to embrace life beyond school.”

The winners of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026 will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 14 October.

We are incredibly proud to see Giggleswick recognised amongst some of the leading independent schools in the North and look forward to the awards next month.