- Location
- Leeds
- Age range
- 2–19
- Attendance
- Day school
About The Grammar School at Leeds
Schoolscout directory record ·
Situated in the vibrant heart of Leeds, The Grammar School At Leeds offers an enriching educational experience that fosters both academic excellence and pe...
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) was created on 4 August 2005 by the merger of two of Yorkshire's oldest independent schools: Leeds Grammar School, founded in approximately 1552 under a charter associated with the dissolution of the chantries, and Leeds Girls' High School, founded in 1876 by the philanthropist Frances Lupton. The merged school opened to both sexes in September 2008 and now educates approximately 2,370 pupils aged 3-18 across a single integrated campus at Alwoodley on the northern edge of Leeds.
GSAL operates the "Diamond Model" of co-education: boys and girls are taught in separate classes between the ages of 11 and 16 but share the same campus, the same extra-curricular programme and the same sixth form, where teaching is fully co-educational. The junior school (ages 3-11) is co-educational throughout. This model preserves much of the academic and pastoral character of the original single-sex schools while pooling resources and broadening the social mix.
Academic provision is broad. Sciences, mathematics and modern languages are particular strengths, and the school has a long-standing record of placing leavers at Russell Group universities — Leeds, Manchester, Durham, Sheffield and Edinburgh especially — with regular Oxbridge offers. The sixth form offers A-Levels alongside an EPQ option, and the GSAL Junior School and senior school sit side by side on the 36-acre Alwoodley site.
The Principal and Chief Executive since 2017 is Sue Woodroofe, formerly head of the British International School Bratislava and former director of education at GEMS Education in the Middle East. The chairman of governors is David P. A. Gravells. The school is a member of the HMC and the historic Leeds Girls' High lineage also gives it GSA heritage. GSAL operates a substantial bursary programme and remains the largest independent day school in West Yorkshire.
Additional source record ·
Leeds Grammar School was an independent school founded 1552 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Originally a male-only school, in August 2005 it merged with Leeds Girls' High School to form The Grammar School at Leeds. The two schools physically united in September 2008.
The school was founded in 1552 by William Sheafield to provide free, subsidised or fee-paying education to the children of the City of Leeds. Despite 1552 being the traditional date for the foundation of the school, there is some evidence to suggest that the school existed as early as 1341. In 1805, the school was the subject of a ruling by Lord Eldon that set a precedent affecting grammar schools throughout England.
School life and highlights in the catalogue
- Leeds Grammar School heritage stretches back to c. 1552 — 474-year tradition
- Created in 2005 by the merger of Leeds Grammar (1552) and Leeds Girls' High (1876)
- Diamond Model co-education: separate classes Y7-11, mixed in sixth form and extra-curriculars
- ≈2,370 pupils across all ages 3-18
- Large Alwoodley campus on the northern edge of Leeds
- HMC member; one of the largest independent schools in northern England
- Strong sixth-form A-Level record with consistent Russell Group progression
- Substantial bursary programme aimed at academic access for Yorkshire families
- 2,051-pupil community
- Church of England/Christian foundation
- A-Level A*-B*: 45% achieve AAB+
Education and school life
- Education levels
- Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, Sixth Form
- Age range
- 2–19
- Attendance
- Day school
- Pupil intake
- Co-educational
- School type
- Mainstream
- Religious ethos
- Church of England/Christian
- Listed inspectorate
- ISI
Subjects and qualifications
- STEM (strong sciences and mathematics programmes)
- Modern languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin)
- Classics
- Drama & visual arts
- Music (full orchestra + chamber)
- Rugby, cricket, hockey, rowing
Listed memberships and accreditations
- HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
- IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools)
- GSA (Girls' Schools Association) — by virtue of Leeds Girls' High lineage
- ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
Progression and destinations in the catalogue
- Oxbridge
- Russell Group (Leeds, Manchester, Durham, Sheffield)
- Imperial / UCL / LSE / Edinburgh
- US top-30 universities
Alumni notes
- Frances Lupton (philanthropist and co-founder of Leeds Girls' High School)
- John Atkinson Hobson (economist — A Study of the British West Indies)
- Numerous Old Leodensians in academia, business and sport at national level
- Thomas Adam
- Thomas Barnard
- Arthur Bayldon
- Irwin Bellow
- Baron Bellwin
- Gordon Benson
Supporting school records
These dated records may contain different information. Ask our team about current details.
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
- Headteacher / principal
- Sue Woodroofe (Principal and Chief Executive)
- Founded
- 1552
- Religious ethos
- Multi-faith
- Campus setting
- Rural
- Scholarships / bursaries
- Options indicated; confirm availability and eligibility.
Additional source record ·
- Scholarships / bursaries
- Options not indicated in this record; availability unconfirmed.
Pupil information
- Total pupils
- 2,051
- Boys
- 1,082 · 52.75%
- Girls
- 969 · 47.25%
- Pupils receiving SEN support
- 191 · 9.31%
- Pupils with an EHCP
- 0 · 0%
Counts and percentages are reproduced from the directory. SEN means special educational needs; EHCP means Education, Health and Care Plan. A pupil census year is not supplied.
A-Level results
- Results year
- 2025
- Progress score
- 0.22 (Above Average)
- Average grade
- A-
- AAB percentage
- 45.30%
Results refer to the year shown. The directory does not provide a cohort size or a full methodology for these measures.
Tuition and costs
The fee year is not specified. Ask our team about current fees, VAT and included services.
Schoolscout directory record ·
| Attendance | GBP · Period and VAT unverified |
|---|---|
| Day | £4,383.6 – £6,408 |
Current fees and VAT treatment require confirmation from the school. Directory labels are not a verified school quotation.
Check whether boarding, meals, registration, deposits, examinations, trips and guardian arrangements are included. Amounts are in pounds sterling (GBP), without currency conversion.
Ask about current feesPlanning your application
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Read the directory’s school and admissions questions below.
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Explore MEC guidanceQuestions in the school directory
Schoolscout directory record ·
What type of school is The Grammar School at Leeds?
The Grammar School at Leeds is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 2 to 19, located near Leeds in West Yorkshire. The school offers education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.
How do I apply to The Grammar School at Leeds?
Historical directory text below. Its fees, billing period and VAT have not been verified with the school.
Most families apply to The Grammar School at Leeds 1–2 years before entry, with a process that can include tests, interviews and school reports. See the private school admissions timeline for when to apply and what to expect.
What are the fees at The Grammar School at Leeds?
Historical directory text below. Its fees, billing period and VAT have not been verified with the school.
Fees at The Grammar School at Leeds are approximately £4,383–£6,408 per term, depending on the year group and whether pupils board. Families can learn more about UK private school fees and what is typically included.
Is The Grammar School at Leeds a day or boarding school?
The Grammar School at Leeds is a day school.
Is The Grammar School at Leeds selective?
The Grammar School at Leeds follows a selective admissions process, which may include interviews or entrance assessments.
School location and enquiries
- Street address
- Alwoodley Gates, Harrogate Road
- Town / locality
- Leeds
- County
- West Yorkshire
- Region
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- Postcode
- LS17 8GS
- Country
- United Kingdom
Talk to our team about this school, current fees and your application.
Enquire about this schoolView the school locationAlwoodley Gates, Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, LS17 8GSSchoolscout directory record ·
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
Additional source record ·
Collection and catalogue update dates are shown above; they are not fee years or pupil census dates. Source text is retained in its original language. The school’s official information takes precedence for current admissions, programmes and fees.