Harrogate Grammar School

It’s hell in there! I’m not ashamed to admit it. Firstly, and a huge issue with the school is that the staff really don’t care about anyone’s wellbeing. For example, because of the staff, I haven’t been able to even eat lunch for years! They care so much more about everything being perfect than people literally eating, which is both a human right and is incredibly important for growing children. I also think many lessons are a complete and utter waste of time. For example, PE gives me and many other people bad anxiety, and there is absolutely no learning to be done in that subject, as all you really do is kick a ball around a field for an hour, and if you aren’t as involved, you have to put up with every other feral student screaming and swearing at you… (the teachers do absolutely nothing about this). the school is overpopulated which causes many problems! Many of the teachers are either terrible teachers, don’t care about the subject they are teaching whatsoever, make their lessons as boring as possible, or are overly strict. These 4 factors make school so unbearable for the 2000+ kids attending every day! I also don't think there is a good work-to-life balance. My entire life feels like it revolves around that place. 24/7, I am constantly worrying about being in school, getting ready for school, overthinking when I’m not at school and homework. This is incredibly unhealthy, and heavily impacts everyone’s mental health. Another issue I have is that the kids who are doing better in school are constantly waiting around for everyone else. out of the 7 hours a day I’m in school for, I would estimate for around 3 of those hours, I’m just waiting for everyone else who mess about or are too slow. (15 hours a week which could’ve been spent learning, but instead are lost, and I have to just sit in an uncomfortable plastic chair wasting my life away…) Although some students can not help it, I do believe that the higher-achieving kids should be in a separate group, to allow more learning to take place, but this is only done in maths and science classes. 9/10 people there are toxic people who‘a only purpose is to make life a misery. As much as the school tried to brag about the lack of bullying, and their amazing school and all the rest of it, it’s all false, and in reality, nothing is being done to avoid any of the issues 2000 kids have to face every single day! For the love of god, and your child’s well-being, DO NOT send your child to this school.

IT IS OK but teacher can be mean

I think HGS was a great school, with friendly teachers that support you in many different ways (mentally, emotionally, and with your learning). With nice green outdoor spaces to stay in at break and lunch.
One thing that's annoying is that (unless there is a hidden lift) it's not wheelchair accessible, only a small portion of the place. And the food maybe needs an upgrade lol.

I read the HGS school history book and it was fascinating to see the changes its made since it's opening in 1903-ish.

A lot of different things like clubs or school trips and different options for gsce and a level . Good food

Horrible schooo to attend was there 5 years had learning difficulties no matter how many times I asked for help it was never given .