A York headteacher has praised his amazing students as the school was named the best in the north today.
Fulford School has been awarded the Sunday Times Comprehensive Secondary School of the North 2025.
Headteacher Russell Harris said he was extremely proud of the achievement.
“This accolade recognises the exceptional achievements of our students at both GCSE and A Level.
“This award reflects the dedication and effort of our students, the expertise and passion of our staff, and the vital support provided by parents and carers.
“While academic success is a cornerstone of our school, we are equally devoted to fostering personal growth.
“Through experiences shaped by our core values, we aim to inspire our students to embrace challenges, grow in character, and lead fulfilling lives beyond the classroom.
“Every day, our students amaze us with their determination, creativity, and kindness. We remain focused on nurturing a supportive and dynamic school community, preparing our students to thrive as active and contributing members of society.”
Fulford School’s accolade was revealed as the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 was released.
This is seen by many as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools.
Archbishop Holgate’s CE, All Saints RC and Sherburn High also landed a place in the top ten state schools in the north, with Fulford in second and Archbishop Holgate’s in fifth.
Queen Ethelburga’s College, York, is another winner – taking the title of Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North 2025.
The guide says of Fulford School: “Jumping 17 places up the national table too, from 189 to 172, its admirable achievement of 20.6 per cent of A-level passes achieving A* outshines the rest in the region.
“Russell Harris, who became its head teacher in 2023, says this feat — to the envy of many private schools — is achieved by inspiring confidence from Year 7 onwards, backed by pastoral support.
“He has seen a recent increase in sixth-form admission inquiries from parents of children attending fee-paying schools looking for academic excellence and affordability, as well as sporting opportunities.”
And it has this to say about Queen Ethelburga’s College: ““Pupils are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves by going beyond the curriculum, taking part in student-led societies, such as Model UN, and competing in ICE CityZen for young engineers, UK Bebras, a computational thinking challenge, and maths and science Olympiads.”