The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form in Leyburn has officially rebranded as Wensleydale School, marking a new chapter for the secondary school following the permanent closure of its sixth form.
The Sixth Form was suspended in 2023, and after a two-year consultation process with parents, students, and the wider community, the decision has now been confirmed.
Headteacher Julia Polley and the school’s governors said the closure reflected national education policy changes, reduced funding, and the challenges of maintaining a broad and high-quality post-16 offer in a small rural setting.
Mrs Polley said that while the decision was not taken lightly, it allowed the school to focus its efforts and resources entirely on pupils aged 11 to 16.
“By concentrating all our resources on Years 7–11, we have seen a sustained rise in GCSE outcomes over the past four years,” she said.
“Our Year 11 students now take on senior leadership roles within the school, developing confidence and skills that will serve them well beyond their exams. We aim to continue to raise aspirations, secure high outcomes and teach a generation of young people to be kind.”
Since the Sixth Form’s suspension, the school has worked with local colleges and training providers, including Queen Elizabeth College, Richmond, Darlington and York Colleges, as well as Askham Bryan and several apprenticeship schemes.
The rebrand includes a new modernised logo and uniform, which will be phased in gradually.
