Concerns have been raised after the number of children suspended in Harrogate and Knaresborough schools rose by more than 40% in the last year.

Figures recently published by North Yorkshire Council revealed there were 459 suspensions in 2022/23 — a rise from 314 in the previous year.

The most common reason for suspensions was “persistent disruptive behaviour”, according to a report.

The chief inspector of Ofsted has said that behaviour in schools has deteriorated since the covid pandemic, with some pupils refusing to comply with rules, talking back to teachers and walking out of class mid-lesson.

The topic was raised at a meeting of local councillors in Harrogate on Thursday.

Cllr Paul Haslam, an independent representing Bilton and Nidd Gorge, said he was “concerned” at the level of suspensions in the area.

He said:

“What we’ve got is a symptom and not a cause. I’m keen to understand the causes of suspensions. I do not underestimate the commitment of teachers.

“As a past school governor and trustee, I know how hard they work but how can we best support them? Can we catch [poor behaviour] at primary school so it doesn’t happen in secondary school?”

Last week, youth education charity Impetus published research that found children suspended from school see their exam results suffer.

It suggested some children were found to be lagging a year behind their peers with some unable to achieve a standard pass in GCSE maths and English.

Amanda Newbold, assistant director for education and skills at North Yorkshire Council, responded to Cllr Haslam and said the rise in suspensions reflected a national trend.

She also said the figures were “linked disproportionately” to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Ms Newbold said:

“What we’ve seen is an increase in suspensions and exclusions across the county. Those numbers have risen over the last few years. We can link it back to wider issues in families rather than school-specific issues.

“We’ve focused on all things inclusion this academic year and are offering support around suspension and exclusions. We’ve had headteacher workshops to make sure we can do as much preventative work as possible but it will take time to see outcomes.”

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A Harrogate Grammar School student has published her first novel — at the age of 12.

Sula Stanhope wrote the 371-page book before bed each night. It took her four months to finish.

Sula said:

“Mum and dad said I could have some extra screen time if I was working on creative projects.

“They were slightly surprised when I presented them with the first draft of my novel.”

The Alchemist’s Prophecy is a dystopian fantasy about a girl sent on a magical quest in a dangerous world.

The book is almost 150 pages longer than the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Storytelling runs in the family.

Sula’s dad Alex said:

“Sula’s grandmother is a writer.

“When I was growing up I was hopeless at English but I always liked telling stories. I used to tell stories to Sula; the storytelling part stuck.

“She now tells stories way better than me!”

After Sula wrote her manuscript, Alex started the process of self-publishing it.

He said:

“I just wanted to give her a chance to hold her book in her own hands.”

Sula also developed creativity playing games with her twin sister Delphi.

Together they would invent characters, arguing about what they looked and sounded like.

Alex said:

“It didn’t always feel very creative when I heard their arguments, but I love what came out of it!”

Teachers at Oatlands Junior School, where Sula used to study, noticed her talent early.

Year 5 teacher Ms Coyne said:

“When I heard about Sula writing her own book, I was not surprised.

“During her time at Oatlands Junior School, Sula showed such creativity, talent and always had her head in a book — sometimes hidden under the table.

“She was an avid reader who clearly loves books and responds with great maturity to the texts we explore. I cannot wait to read it.”

Sula’s Year 6 English teacher Rosie Doyle said:

 “I would say I am surprised, but I’m actually not.”

Staff are so proud of their former student they have purchased a copy for their school library.

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In the future, Sula would like to continue writing books.

She sees The Alchemist’s Prophecy as a trilogy and is hoping to complete it one day.

Alongside creative writing, Sula also plays the piano and attends acting classes. You can buy The Alchemist’s Prophecy on Amazon.

The senior investigating officer in the murder of Harrogate teenager Seb Mitchell has said the outcome of the case “sends a very clear message to anyone who may consider possessing a knife”.

Dylan Cranfield, 17, was sentenced to  a minimum of 11 years in jail at Leeds Crown Court yesterday for murdering Harrogate Grammar School student Seb with a kitchen knife in February this year.

Cranfield will be eligible for parole in a little over 10 years.

Dylan Cranfield

Detective superintendent Wayne Fox, of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, described the case as “an absolute tragedy”.

He added:

“The life of a young man has been needlessly taken in circumstances which escalated as a result of the defendant arming himself with a lethal weapon in retribution for causing a very small amount of damage.

“No sentence can bring back a young person, who had such a bright future ahead of him and so much to look forward to in life.

“The defendant’s actions in resorting to the use of a knife, have been catastrophic, taking Seb’s life and changing beyond recognition the lives of his family, friends and loved ones.”

Det supt Fox added:

“There are no words that can sum up the devastation caused by young people who think nothing of picking up a knife or other weapon and using it. I hope that the outcome of this case sends a very clear message to anyone who may consider possessing a knife that no good can come from such action.

“Our thoughts remain very much with Seb’s family and friends. We hope that the conclusion of the proceedings brings a semblance of closure for them at such a difficult time.”

The Stray Ferret published articles yesterday about Cranfield’s sentencing and also the family’s reaction to the conclusion of the case.

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The sixth form at Rossett School in Harrogate will be fully operational from its own on-site facilities from September 2024, the Stray Ferret can reveal. 

It was reported earlier this year that the sixth forms at Rossett and Harrogate Grammar School were to merge, but this was not the case, according to Richard Sheriff, chief executive of the Red Kite Learning Trust, which both schools belong to. 

Mr Sheriff told the Stray Ferret: 

“A merger was never on the cards. It was always about a partnership – both schools choosing to work together in the interests of the young people they serve.” 

Over the last year, Rossett School’s Year 13 students – upper-sixth formers – have carried on being taught at Rossett.

But Year 12 students – lower-sixth formers – have been taught at Harrogate Grammar School, because a dip in pupil numbers at Rossett meant there were not enough pupils for the courses. 

Mr Sheriff said: 

“From September 2024, we’ll have a larger group of students, so we’ll be offering more courses at Rossett for both Year 12 and Year 13 students. 

“Rossett and the Grammar School may not both offer all courses, but students at one school may be able to do a course at the other school if it’s not offered at their own. For example, we don’t offer A level PE at Harrogate Grammar School, but we do at Rossett. 

“Sharing resources like this allows us to offer a broader curriculum across the two schools. 

“The collaboration between the two schools is fantastic. We all have the same values, the same mission, in our DNA. We’re all just trying to do things together for the benefit of the community.” 

In recent years, the school roll at Rossett has shrunk from around to 1,500 to about 1,000. But Mr Sheriff said the decline in numbers had been halted and was being reversed. He said: 

“We really expect numbers in Rossett’s sixth form to grow as the school grows. Rossett went through a difficult period, but we expect them to rise again.  

“We’ve got a great new head in Tim Milburn, a new executive board, and trust is coming back among parents and in the wider community. 

“Housing is going up all over the town, and we want those children to have a really good choice of schools. They can’t all go to Harrogate Grammar School.” 

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Rossett School is benefiting financially from the presence of Red Kite Learning Trust’s offices and facilities within its grounds.

The Trust was previously located at Harrogate Grammar School, but there was little free space at the school. In contrast, Rossett’s diminished roll meant it had underused buildings, so the Trust decamped there and pays to use its buildings, giving the school a new revenue stream. 

Through its training arm, Red Kite Education, the Red Kite Learning Trust is one of the largest teacher training providers in the country, with more than 160 trainee teachers.

From its base at Rossett School, it offers national professional qualifications for headteachers, executive leaders and middle leaders, early career framework support for teachers in their first two years of teaching, and training and support for business managers and teaching assistants. 

As many as 800 adults at 150 different schools are in some kind of training through Red Kite. 

This story is sponsored by Harvey George.

A Harrogate company that specialises in bespoke fitted furniture has donated £10,000 worth of equipment to a secondary school’s Design and Technology department.

Harvey George, which is the UK’s largest manufacturer of bespoke bathroom vanity units, presented the fibre laser marker machine to Harrogate Grammar School as a demonstration of its commitment to contributing to the community and investing in education.

Harvey George director Sophie Griffiths, whose son Harvey is a student at Harrogate Grammar School, said:

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute this machine to the school and hope that it will benefit a multitude of students, enhancing their educational journey.

“We hope it offers the students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, potentially opening doors to various fields such as engineering, design, and manufacturing.”

Fibre laser marking machines are used to make permanent marks on metals and some plastics. A focused beam of light is sent through a fibre-optic cable and marks the surface of the material. The desktop machine donated by Harvey George has a maximum marking speed of 7,000mm per second.

Tom Williams, Leader of Harrogate Grammar School’s Design & Technology Department, said:

“Harvey George’s generosity lights the way for our students’ success! With their generous donation of a laser marker machine, Harvey George has provided an exciting path to innovation and excellence for the Design students at Harrogate Grammar School.

“We are immensely grateful for their support, as this cutting-edge technology will empower our young learners in using high-calibre industry-standard manufacturing techniques.”

In addition to bespoke painted and oak bathroom vanity units, Harvey George also makes kitchen cabinets and storage solutions of every kind – all made to measure by Yorkshire craftsmen. Its full range can be viewed at its 10,000 sq ft showroom on Hookstone Park in Harrogate. 

Find out more: 

Visit Harvey George’s Harrogate showroom to discuss your bespoke furniture needs over a complimentary drink at The Inspiration Centre, Unit 3, Hookstone Park, Harrogate HG2 7DB. 

To make an appointment, call 01423 810070.

The headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School has said a section of Otley Road should be reduced to 20mph to improve safety for schoolchildren.

North Yorkshire Council announced last week speed limits will be introduced outside seven schools in Harrogate under plans for a “landmark” 20mph zone across Pannal Ash and Oatlands.

The move followed repeated calls from headteachers and parents to introduce lower speed limits around schools following high-profile collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians. This included an incident this year that left two schoolchildren in hospital.

The seven schools Harrogate Grammar School (HGS), Rossett Acre Primary School, Rossett School, Ashville College, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Oatlands Junior School and Oatlands Infants School.

The 20mph zone by HGS will be introduced on Arthurs Avenue and its surrounding side roads.

But the headteacher of Harrogate’s largest secondary school Neil Renton said the zone should be extended to include the busy B6162 Otley Road, which is a key route in-and-out of town and currently has a limit of 30mph.

A statement was read out on behalf of Mr Renton at a meeting of councillors on the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee on Thursday.

He said:

“I absolutely support the landmark scheme put forward and hope this pioneering initiative will also include Otley Road. A large number of students leaving the site at start and end of school would make it entirely sensible to reduce the speed limit on Otley Road.

“Our staff see the need for this daily when supervising children. As a school we fully support reducing the speed limit for the safety of children in our community and hope you will also include Otley Road.”

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Officers published a report ahead of the meeting that said due to national and council policy as well as “the volume of traffic” on Otley Road it would not be possible to introduce a 20mph speed limit.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Bilton Grange and New Park, Monika Slater, asked the council’s chief highways officer Melisa Burnham if she was aware of how other cities had “circumvented” national guidelines to introduce 20mph limits on A or B roads.

Ms Burnham said: 

“We do look at examples in best cases across the country, so yeah, the team certainly have the knowledge but whether it’s something we can look at for the specifics here I’m not sure. 

“We do have that policy in place for a reason and we do have to adhere to it. It’s about that consistency across not just Harrogate but across the county as well.”

Rossett School in Harrogate has joined the Red Kite Learning Trust, it was announced today.

The secondary school, which was founded 50 years ago, becomes the 14th school to join the multi-academy trust.

Other members include Harrogate Grammar School, Oatlands Junior School, Western Primary School, Rossett Acre Primary School and Coppice Valley Primary School.

A statement issued by the trust today said Rossett “will benefit from shared knowledge and a central team of experts for finance, HR, IT, estates and communications”.

The move follows an announcement in May that Rossett’s sixth form would merge with nearby Harrogate Grammar’s.

At the time Richard Sheriff, chief executive of the trust, said there was a long-term vision for Rossett and Harrogate Grammar to collaborate more closely.

He said better outcomes for children was the main driver for change but acknowledged cost was also “absolutely part of this”.

Rossett’s income, which is based on student numbers, has decreased significantly in recent years due to pupil numbers falling by roughly a third from 1,500 to 1,000.

Rossett already had a close relationship through its membership of Red Kite Alliance, a less formal collaboration of 50 Yorkshire schools.

Former Harrogate Grammar deputy head Tim Milburn was appointed Rossett head this year.

(from left) Richard Sheriff, Tim Milburn and trust chair Chris Tulley

Mr Sheriff said today the move would provide “security and support” for Rossett:

He added:

“Whilst the school will benefit greatly from being part of our trust, this is very much a two-way relationship with Rossett bringing new colleagues with talents, skills and knowledge that will further enhance our partnership.

“Working together, collaboratively, our schools thrive and deliver outstanding outcomes for the children and young people in our care.”

Mr Milburn, said:

“The due diligence carried out over the past few months cemented our decision to join this Trust and we are excited to be starting the new academic year as part of such a strong collaboration of schools.”

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The headteacher of Harrogate’s largest school has released a book about leadership.

Neil Renton, who became head of Harrogate Grammar School in 2019, said New School Leader: What Now? aims to help school leaders daunted by their role.

It examines the challenges new leaders face and how they can be overcome.

Mr Renton, who was previously the school’s deputy head, said “this was the one book I looked for when I became a headteacher that I couldn’t find”.

Based on his own experience, it covers issues such as the weight of responsibility he felt on his appointment, leading through a pandemic and coping with an Ofsted inspection.

Mr Renton said:

“Something happens when you step from being a senior leader to being appointed as headteacher. Everyone tells you it will feel different, but no one can quite explain how.

“I found it helpful to write about my experience and what I was learning as a leader. I then tried to set that learning out in a way that could help other new leaders.

“I wanted to tell a simple, honest and positive story about school leadership.”

He said he wrote 500 words a day in every school holiday for the last three years “until I felt that I had answered the question in the title of the book New School Leader: What Now?”

Critical Publishing, which published the 210-page book, described it as “an uplifting and honest story about how school leaders develop and hone their practice over time to navigate doubt, overcome challenge, and lead well every day”.

The book, which costs £19.99, can be bought here.

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A judge lifted reporting restrictions today to allow the media to name a Harrogate boy murderer in the hope it will serve as a warning to other young people about the dangers of knives.

Dylan Cranfield, 17, was found guilty of murdering Seb Mitchell, 17, at Leeds Crown Court by a verdict of 10 to 2 after the jury deliberated for almost 15 hours.

There were gasps in the public gallery when the verdict was announced.

Afterwards, Judge Guy Kearl, the Recorder of Leeds, allowed Cranfield to be named.

He said:

“It’s important getting young people to understand that knives kill. Not just knives that are carried around with them for so-called protection.

“Young people must know that all knives are lethal weapons and can in dreadful circumstances lead to death.”

Cranfield, who was 16 at the time of the incident in February, was not named in reports from the trial until today.

He is due to be sentenced on October 4.

Seb Mitchell. Picture: Sam Mitchell.

Courts have discretionary powers to prevent the media from naming children to protect their welfare. Such orders remain in place until the child reaches 18.

Judge Kearl said the welfare of children had to be balanced against the open justice principle that says the media should be able to report cases “fully and contemporaneously”.

He said the public interest of highlighting the dangers of knife crime meant it was therefore “in the interests of justice to lift reporting restrictions”.

Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife after a row over a broken mirror at a property on Claro Road in Harrogate.

A police officer outside the home on Claro Road after the incident.

Cranfield pleaded not guilty – he accepted he stabbed Seb, but said he did not intend to kill him.

A teenage girl who witnessed the incident told police Cranfield pointed the knife at Seb and said “I’m going to wet you up”, which the court heard was “London slang” for a stabbing.

Judge Kearl told the court:

“This is not a case in which he took the knife to the scene, but nevertheless a case in which it was picked up and then used, not with a great deal of force.

“But as we know in these courts, you don’t have to use a great deal of force in order to inflict a great deal of injury.”

Seb was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He died two days after the incident.

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Thousands of students across the Harrogate district have collected their GCSE results today.

The teenagers, whose preparations for the exams over the last two years were impacted by the covid pandemic, have been celebrating their achievements at schools around the area.

At Harrogate Grammar School, 83% of the 284 students sitting exams this year gained five standard passes in English and maths.

Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“I am delighted so many of our GCSE students have done so well this year. With the regrading of results to pre-pandemic levels there has been a degree of national uncertainty as overall pass rates have fallen.

“Our year group have worked through adversity and disruption to achieve a strong set of results which now allow them to access their chosen pathway for further study.”

Rossett School‘s students were also celebrating after 63% of the year group achieved five standard passes including English and maths.

Among those achieving grades 9 to 7 across the board were Sam Barker, Arlo Collins, Harry Duffy, Maya Dunmore, Daniel Golding, Danni-Mae Hampson, Robyn Heywood, Henry Hull, George Park, Abbie Ramsden, Mariia Sorokina and Adam Taverner.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said:

“It’s been lovely to see our students this morning and to hear how well they’ve done. The results they have collected today are a real testament to their resilience, commitment and dedication.

“Young people have faced unprecedented disruption to their education over the last three-and-a-half years but that only makes these results more remarkable.”

Rhys Wolf of Ashville College

Among Ashville College‘s high-scoring pupils was Rhys Wolf, who achieved 10 grade 9s and is staying on for sixth form at the school, before setting his sights on a degree in maths or economics.

The school has not released its overall results. Headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:

“Every success has been incredibly well deserved, and we are proud of what our Year 11 pupils have achieved both in and out of the classroom. They can now focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in our sixth form.”

Queen Mary’s School, between Ripon and Thirsk, has also not released details of its results, but headteacher Carole Cameron said:

“It is truly heart-warming to witness long-standing Queen Mary’s pupils achieving outstanding grades after many years of dedication.”

St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate has not released its results, but interim headteacher David Thornton said:

“Our students have been there for each other, supporting their friends and classmates.

“St Aidan’s is a close community with parents, carers, staff and students all working together to ensure each student achieves their potential. We all celebrate with them and are immensely proud of each and every one of our students.”

The Stray Ferret contacted all other schools in the Harrogate district for their results and comments, but had not received responses by the time of publication.

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