Giggleswick School
Giggleswick School
Giggleswick, England
For over 500 years, Giggleswick School has been nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales in northern England, exuding real Harry Potter charm. In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities – where you shouldn’t be afraid of a bit of mud – the school places great emphasis on a broad extracurricular programme, true to its motto: “A busy teenager is a good teenager.” The art and design departments, along with the theatre programme, are particular strengths, offering pupils plenty of space for creative expression.
The Details
The Academics
Impressive results: In 2024, 43% of GCSE grades were in the top band (7–9), and 44% of A-Level results were A/A grades. In addition to the traditional A-Level subjects, pupils also have the opportunity to choose more unusual courses such as Music Technology.
The Sixth Form Centre offers an adult, university-style atmosphere with a large, bright common room – complete with a pool table, snack area and a bar.
Sixth Form pupils are given plenty of opportunities to take on responsibility – whether by developing their own ideas to lead clubs or by mentoring younger pupils.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, Spanish, German and Latin.
The Boarding
Half of the pupils are boarders, most of them as full boarders, with a few flexi-boarders as well.
The school has six boarding houses in the Senior School; the girls’ houses are in slightly better condition than the boys’, but all are cosy and just five minutes from the main school building.
Most pupils share rooms with one or two others.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The stunning location in the Yorkshire Dales is without doubt one of Giggleswick School’s greatest strengths, and pupils love the wide range of outdoor activities. Whether kayaking, mountain biking or simply enjoying a peaceful walk – here, you’re out in the fresh air all day long.
Cross-country running holds a special place at Giggleswick – it’s one of the school’s top sports. Many pupils are members of the Settle Harriers Running Club, and there are some real success stories: in February 2025, a Giggleswick pupil took first place at the National Cross-Country Championships, and another is currently part of the GB national squad.
We’re also hugely impressed by the school’s art and design departments. The facilities are outstanding, and the creative work produced here is absolutely remarkable. Definitely one of our favourites!
The Giggleswick School theatre also has a lot to offer and, according to former Headmaster Mark Turnbull, serves as the emotional heart of the school. With around ten productions a year, the programme includes everything from Shakespeare to Stoppard.
Musical development at the school is equally impressive. Whether in the excellent orchestra, rock bands or the choir – which performs in venues like Durham Cathedral and London’s Wigmore Hall – musical talent is given a perfect stage here.
Weaknesses
We honestly can’t think of a single thing we didn’t like about “Gigg.”
Location
Giggleswick School is just five minutes from the charming town of Settle and is relatively well connected to larger cities. Manchester Airport is about an hour and a half away by car, while Leeds can be reached by train from Settle Station in just one hour.
A fantastic choice for creative pupils who want to combine outdoor activities with the traditional character of a British boarding school.
Be sure to visit the school during the “Scarrig Mud Run” – a legendary school event where everyone, including the teachers, ends up unrecognisably covered in mud. Only then will you truly understand the unique team spirit that defines Giggleswick School!
Take a look at similar schools
Glenalmond College
Gordonstoun School
Sedbergh School
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