King James's School
King James Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8EBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
King James's School is a secondary school in Knaresborough for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 376 schools in North Yorkshire. It ranks 20th of 41 secondary schools in North Yorkshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2011.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 1 December 2011, report published 17 January 2012
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 10 January 2023
King James's School is a caring environment where pupils learn well. Pupils feel safe and supported. There is a strong focus on ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Most behaviour in lessons is very positive. The vast majority of pupils are keen and engage confidently in their learning. The school's values, 'ready, respectful, engaged', are regularly reinforced. Bullying is rare. Pupils report incidents of bullying. Teachers resolve issues quickly and effectively. The long history of this school, dating back to 1616, is proudly celebrated. Pupils feel connected to Knaresborough's heritage, particularly through their history lessons. A rich range of extra-curricular visits allows pupils to explore that heritage, and the wider world. Pupils learn to respect other cultures and faiths. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Curriculum planning is ambitious and meets pupils' learning needs. Teachers have expert subject knowledge. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are extremely well supported. Students in the sixth form flourish. There is a broad range of subjects available. Pastoral support for sixth-form students is also highly effective.
What the school should improve
- Pupils who struggle with reading do not receive effective interventions routinely. They are not learning to read quickly enough. Leaders should streamline the current offer by consolidating pupils' phonic knowledge and improving pupils' fluency through frequent reading practice.
- Pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to engage meaningfully with the world of work. They do not experience and celebrate aspects of working life that would prepare them for adulthood well. Leaders should develop the careers offer, prepare pupils for the world of work and raise their aspirations further.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
259 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
100 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,554 pupils on roll, with places for 1,705
Schools near King James's School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrogate High School | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 39.1 |
| St John Fisher Catholic Academy | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 55.1 |
| St Aidan's Church of England High School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 56.4 |
| Duchy College | 4 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 28.6 |
| Harrogate Grammar School | 4 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 56.6 |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Ms Miriam Oakley
- Phone
- 01423866061
- Address
- King James Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8EB
- Local authority
- North Yorkshire
- URN
- 121687
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.