Thirsk School & Sixth Form College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

'Be more Thirsk' is the inspiring mantra that welcomes everyone into the school. Staff instil ambition and high aspirations in the pupils. The pupils are confident, polite and eager to share their views. They discuss many topics, from current affairs to scientific debates. Care and compassion underpin the high aspirations staff have for the pupils. Staff and the pastoral team ensure that pupils get the help they need when they need it. Pupils' attendance has improved and is typically in line with national averages. Leaders recognise the need to continue to build on this. Pupils in all year groups add value to the school. They make the school welcoming and embrace diversity. Behaviour in school, both in lessons and during social times, is generally calm. When pupils do not meet staff's expectations, a kind word from an adult often helps them fix their mistakes. Pupils know bullying is harmful. When staff become aware of bullying, they take swift action to address it. This helps pupils to feel safe. The school offers a broad curriculum for all. Students can study new subjects when they move into the sixth form. Subject-specialist staff make learning engaging. Students value staff's commitment to the subjects and their love for teaching. This helps students get ready for their next steps in learning. Many of them move on to higher education. National test results are generally positive, although there is variation in a few subjects. The school helps pupils make a difference to society. They take on leadership roles in the school and local community. There is a sense of community and mutual support. Older students support pupils in earlier years through mentoring. This creates a bond across year groups and enjoyment in passing the mantra on to new pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure a consistent approach to curriculum and teaching so that across all subjects, pupils gain detailed knowledge and achieve well.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers effectively use assessment information to identify and address any gaps in pupils' key knowledge.
• Leaders should continue to build on the recent improvements around attendance to ensure that all pupils attend school regularly.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)