Ryburn Valley High School
St Peter's Avenue, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 1DFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Ryburn Valley High School is a secondary school in Sowerby Bridge for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 112 schools in Calderdale. It ranks 5th of 11 secondary schools in Calderdale. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 30 April 2013, report published 23 May 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 July 2022
Ryburn Valley High School provides a strong, vibrant and welcoming community. Pupils swell with pride when they talk about their school. They told inspectors about the opportunities they get to develop their confidence and resilience. They look forward to showcasing their school to visitors. Pupils know the ethos of the school is based on 'everyone matters and every dream counts.' Leaders have fostered the values of kindness, honesty, respect and endeavour, which is brought to life by the everyday interactions of pupils and staff. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils are exceptionally courteous and respectful to staff and visitors. There is a calm and orderly environment at all times in the school day. Relationships between pupils are harmonious. In lessons, pupils are attentive and focused on their learning. They work without any disruption. Pupils say that bullying is rare. Pupils know what they would do if they had any issues that upset them. Pupils take part in many different activities, including sports clubs and teams, science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities, as well as performing and creative arts. Parents are highly complementary about the school's work, saying how their child has 'thrived and has been provided with many varied ways to grow and develop'.
What the school should improve
- Not all staff provide the support pupils with SEND need to access learning, as effectively as they could. As a result, in some subjects, misconceptions are not addressed quickly. Leaders should make additional checks on the support teachers provide for pupils with SEND to ensure that it fully meets their needs and maximises their progress.
- There are a very small number of pupils who access off-site alternative provision. Information about these pupils' progress is unclear. As a result, leaders do not know the extent to which these pupils are learning their alternative curriculum. Leaders must strengthen and enhance their systems to quality assure the effectiveness of the alternative provision they use.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
278 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
79 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,589 pupils on roll, with places for 1,500
Schools near Ryburn Valley High School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Academy Grammar | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.3 |
| The Halifax Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.1 |
| The Crossley Heath School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 74.5 |
| Beacon Lights Schools | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 16.0 |
| The Calder Learning Trust | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- TOGETHER LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Donna Watkins
- Phone
- 01422832070
- Address
- St Peter's Avenue, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 1DF
- Local authority
- Calderdale
- URN
- 141307
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.