screenshot 2026 01 13 at 11.42.24 removebg preview

School Profile

Rishworth School

Rishworth School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3–18 in West Yorkshire.

Independent School

Rishworth School

Rishworth School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in the Ryburn Valley, West Yorkshire, serving pupils aged 3 to 19. Established in 1724, it is situated on a 140-acre campus near Halifax and provides an “all-through” education from nursery to sixth form.

Location: Oldham Road, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX6 4QA.

Headteacher: Mrs Jessica Sheldrick, who took over in September 2024.

Capacity: Approximately 730 pupils, with roughly 411 currently enrolled.

Ethos: The school motto is Res non Verba (“Deeds, Not Words”), reflecting a practical, hands-on approach to learning.

Academic Performance (2025)

A-Levels: Almost 40% of grades were A*–A, which is over 10% above the national average.

GCSEs: 90% of all GCSEs were passed at grades 9–4, with top grades (9–7) tracking 10% above the national average.

Vocational: 75% of vocational grades were at Distinction or Distinction* level.

Creative Arts: The department celebrated a 100% pass rate with students achieving full marks in several entries

Boarding and Facilities

The school offers full, weekly, and flexi-boarding options starting from Year 5 (age 9–10).

Boarding Houses: Historic stone buildings recently refurbished to offer single or double occupancy rooms; there are no large dormitories.

Specialist Facilities: Includes a purpose-built music school, a performing arts centre, four science labs, a dedicated design and technology block, a swimming pool, and a modern sports hall.

Extracurriculars: Over 130 activities are available, including the Rishworth International Football Academy (RIFA) and the Ford Rugby Academy.

Fees (2025-2026 Academic Year Estimates)

Day Fees: Range from approximately £8,100 (Reception) to £15,000 (Years 9–13) per annum.

Full Boarding: Approximately £31,800 (Years 7–8) to £34,200 (Years 9–13) per annum.

Note: Fees typically exclude VAT and compulsory lunch charges. Means-tested bursaries and scholarships for academic, music, or sporting excellence are available.

Mrs Sheldrick arrived at Rishworth School in September 2003 as a newly qualified Biology Teacher. She fell in love with the ethos and pastoral values and has been here ever since! Mrs Sheldrick’s journey at school involved becoming Head of Middle School, then added Head of Lower School, then Deputy DSL, before becoming Pastoral Head and DSL to Deputy Head (Pastoral) and finally her current role as the first ever female Head. Mrs Sheldrick has run a range of enrichment activities and trips across her time including Trek USA 2008, Nepal 2018 and has overall responsibility for DofE, including Gold. Mrs Sheldrick believes that pastoral care is vital for all students to achieve success and is driven to ensure the highest standards from both staff and students.

Gallery